As temperatures in Hillsborough County are expected to plummet, emergency cold weather shelters are opening today, Feb. 2 to provide refuge for the homeless and those without sufficient home heating. According to an announcement by Hillsborough County officials, the activation of these shelters comes in response to a National Weather Service forecast predicting temperatures of 40 degrees or lower with wind chill over a two-hour period between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
With the shelters activating on such chilly predictions, residents in need are being urged to turn to family and friends as their first line of defense against the cold due to high demand and the constrained capacity of the shelters. This move by the county aims to ensure that the services provided reach as many individuals in dire circumstances as possible on the frigid Monday night.
The county has collaborated with several local organizations to set up the cold weather shelters which will admit guests starting from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, or until they are filled to capacity. Among the opens is Hyde Park United Methodist Church, located at 500 W. Platt St., Tampa, which has been designated as the preferred media location.
Other venues opening their doors include the Tampa Bay Mission of Hope at 110 S. Parsons Blvd., Brandon, and Church of God of Prophecy Hyde Park on 107 S. Oregon Ave., Tampa. Amazing Love Ministries, situated at 3304 E. Columbus Dr., Tampa, and Greater New Hope Church Anointed Ministries, at 2104 Mud Lake Rd., Plant City, along with The Portico at 1001 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, are also part of the emergency shelter network. However, it's important to note that these shelters are for adults only.
For families with children, a different approach is being offered. In a partnership with Metropolitan Ministries, the county is providing a limited number of motel vouchers on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-registration for these vouchers is crucial and can be done by calling (813) 209-1176 until 5 p.m. on Monday, or until the supply runs out, whichever occurs first. This information was indicated in a statement obtained by Hillsborough County's newsroom.
