PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — With temperatures expected to drop significantly overnight, the Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas has announced the activation of cold night shelters across the county for Tuesday, Dec. 30.
The decision comes as the National Weather Service forecasts “feels like” temperatures to dip to 40 degrees or below. The shelters will open their doors at 6 p.m. Tuesday and remain operational until 6 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Officials say guests will be accepted at all locations until capacity is reached. In addition to a safe, warm place to sleep, many of the sites will provide meals for those seeking refuge from the cold.
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Free Transportation Available
To ensure residents can access these safe havens, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is waiving fares for anyone traveling to a shelter. Free bus rides will be available from 5 p.m. Tuesday through 7 a.m. Wednesday.
Riders simply need to inform the bus driver that they are heading to a cold night shelter to board without payment.
Shelter Locations The following locations have been activated for adult men and women:
- Tarpon Springs: Boys and Girls Club of Tarpon Springs, 111 W Lime Street. (Accessible via PSTA Route #19).
- Clearwater: First United Methodist Church, 411 Turner Street. (Accessible via PSTA Route #52A).
- Pinellas Park: Boys & Girls Club, 7790 61st St. N. (Accessible via PSTA Route #74).
- St. Petersburg:
- Unitarian Universalist Church: 100 Mirror Lake Drive N. Note: This location requires the use of stairs. (Accessible via PSTA Routes #9, #20, #24, and SunRunner).
- Salvation Army: 1400 4th Street South. (Accessible via PSTA Route #4A or B).
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Information for Families and Volunteers
Families with children are handled differently than the general population to ensure appropriate accommodations. Those needing shelter with children should call 2-1-1 (First Contact) to check for availability in designated family shelters.
The Homeless Leadership Alliance also indicated a need for community support during this activation. Residents interested in volunteering for this cold snap or future weather emergencies can apply at pinellashomeless.org/become-a-volunteer.
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