Expect some cold temperatures tonight: Hillsborough County cold weather shelters will open

Hillsborough County officials announced today that cold weather shelters will open tonight, Wednesday, Dec. 18, for the homeless and for those who live in homes without adequate heat as local temperatures to dip to or below 40 degrees with wind chill Wednesday night.

Hillsborough County, Florida Image/David Benbennick

Individuals, including pet owners, who need transportation to a cold weather shelter should call the Hillsborough County Sunshine Line to arrange a ride at (813) 272-7272 from 4 p.m. until capacity is reached or until 7 p.m., whichever occurs first. Officials recommend calling for a ride only if you are stranded in the cold weather, or live in a home without adequate heat and are physically unable to get to a shelter.

Hillsborough County partners with the following organizations to provide cold weather shelters:

Hyde Park United Methodist Church, 500 W. Platt St. in Tampa
Opens at 6:30 p.m. for adults
Phone: (813) 347-8333
Media interviews available at this location only

Amazing Love Ministries, 3304 E. Columbus Drive in Tampa
Opens at 6 p.m. for adults

Tampa Bay Mission of Hope, 6321 U.S. 301 S. in Riverview
Opens at 6 p.m. for adults
Phone: (813) 716-3996

Jackson Springs Recreation Center, 8620 Jackson Springs Road in Town ‘N Country
Opens at 6 p.m. for adults and their pets
Phone: (813) 554-5004

Salvation Army, 1514 N. Florida Ave. in Tampa
Opens at 6 p.m. for adults
After hours phone: (813) 226-0055

Wimauma Senior Center, 5714 North St. in Wimauma
Opens at 6 p.m. for adults
Phone: (813) 671-7672

Metropolitan Ministries, 2106 N. Florida Ave. in Tampa
This location is where families go for motel vouchers before 5 p.m.
After-hours phone: (813) 209-1077

A limited quantity of pet supplies will be available at the pet-friendly shelter. All pets must be leashed, and pet owners are strongly encouraged to bring their own crates, food, blankets, and any medication for their pets.

All cold weather shelters are also accepting donations, such as hats, gloves, scarves, socks, disinfectant wipes and spray, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, disposable cups, coffee, creamer, paper plates, paper towels, plastic utensils, sugar, bottled water, and breakfast/protein bars.

For more information, visit HCFLGov.net/StaySafe.


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