Cold Weather Shelters Opening in Central Florida Counties This Week
With cold conditions forecast this week in some Central Florida counties, officials have announced the opening of shelters at the locations below. Be sure to check back, as we’ll add more counties to this list as they come in.
Central Florida Counties Open Shelters Amid Cold Weather Forecast
As Central Florida braces for an unexpected cold snap this week, local officials are stepping up to ensure the safety and comfort of residents. Shelters across several counties are opening their doors to provide warmth and refuge for those in need, particularly for those without adequate heating.
Flagler County
In Flagler County, The Sheltering Tree is leading the charge, opening its shelter at the Rock Transformation Center, located at 2200 N. State Street. The shelter will be operational from 5 p.m. until 8 a.m. the following day. It welcomes not only the homeless but anyone lacking heat during these frigid nights.
East Side Locations:
- Dollar General at Publix Town Center: 3:30 p.m.
- McDonald’s at Old King Road South and State Road 100: 4 p.m.
- Dollar Tree behind Carrabba’s: 4:30 p.m.
- Palm Coast Main Branch Library: 4:45 p.m.
West Side Locations:
- Dollar General at County Road 305 and Canal Avenue: 4 p.m.
- Bunnell Free Clinic: 4:30 p.m.
- Bridges United Methodist Church: 4:30 p.m.
For more information, residents can contact The Sheltering Tree at 386-437-3258.
Marion County
The Ocala Salvation Army: Center of Hope is also responding to the cold weather, opening its shelter at 320 NW 1st Ave. from Monday, Dec. 29, to Tuesday, Dec. 30. Guests can stay overnight until 8 a.m. the next day.
Osceola County
In Osceola County, several churches are stepping up to provide shelter:
- First United Methodist Church in St. Cloud will open its Family Life Center at 6 p.m. on Dec. 30 and 31, offering breakfast in the morning.
- Iglesia Del Nazareno Casa De Vida in Kissimmee will also open its doors at 6 p.m. on the same dates.
- Poinciana Christian Church will follow a similar schedule.
Transportation to these shelters is available at no cost via LYNX buses, and pets can be housed at Osceola Animal Services.
Orange County
Matthew’s Hope in Winter Garden will open at 4 p.m. on Dec. 30, while Barnett Park and Goldenrod Recreation Center will also serve as shelters starting at 4 p.m. on Dec. 30, providing a safe haven until 8 a.m. on Jan. 1.
Seminole County
The Rescue Outreach Commission in Sanford will open its doors on Dec. 30, operating on a first-come, first-served basis until Jan. 1.
Volusia County
The Neighborhood Center of West Volusia will welcome guests on Dec. 30 and 31 from 6:30 p.m. until 8 a.m. the following morning, serving breakfast to those in need.
Polk County
Talbot House Ministries in Lakeland is offering emergency shelter from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., with beds available on a first-come, first-served basis until 6 a.m. the next day.
Brevard County
The Sharing Center of Central Brevard in Cocoa will open at 6 p.m., providing dinner and breakfast for guests. Daily Bread at Melbourne First Church of Nazarene will also operate a cold weather shelter from Dec. 30 to Jan. 2.
Lake County
LifePointe Church in Eustis will open its doors on Dec. 30 and 31 at 5 p.m., closing at 7 a.m. each morning. Free transportation will be provided by Lake County Transit for those needing to reach the shelters.
As temperatures are expected to drop significantly, officials urge residents to take advantage of these resources. Stay tuned for updates as more counties may announce additional shelter openings in the coming days.