Cold Night Shelters Open to Help Those in Need

News Summary

Pinellas County is taking action as cold weather threatens the area, establishing cold night shelters to provide safe and warm sleeping spaces for the homeless. The shelters will operate on Wednesday and Thursday nights from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., supplying individuals with warmth and hot meals. With various locations available and free transit provided by the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, the community is encouraged to seek refuge. The rising homelessness problem emphasizes the urgent need for such initiatives, especially as new laws loom.

Cold Night Shelters Open to Help Those in Need

This week, Pinellas County is stepping up to lend a hand as cold temperatures loom over the area. With the Homeless Leadership Alliance opening cold night shelters, individuals experiencing homelessness will find a warm haven to escape the chilly nights. The shelters will open to provide safe sleeping conditions on Wednesday and Thursday, functioning from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night.

Understanding the Situation

As the thermometer dips and “feels like” temperatures hit the 40-degree mark or lower, this initiative is crucial. It’s a well-known fact that the cold can be harsh, particularly for those without a permanent place to call home. These shelters offer more than just a warm spot for the night; they often serve hot meals to keep the body energized.

Getting There and Where to Go

Thanks to the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), there’s no excuse not to seek warmth. They are providing free bus rides to and from the shelters starting at 5 p.m. That’s right, all you have to do is hop on and head over to your nearest location. If you’re in St. Petersburg, here’s where you can go for a warm bed:

Northwest Presbyterian Church (6330 54th Ave. N.)
WestCare Turning Point (1801 5th Ave. N.)
Unitarian Universalist Church (100 Mirror Lake Dr. N.)
Salvation Army (1400 4th St. S.)

Meanwhile, if you’re closer to Tarpon Springs or Clearwater, check out:

The Boys and Girls Club of Tarpon Springs (111 W Lime Street) accessible via PSTA Route #19.
The First United Methodist Church in Clearwater (411 Turner Street) reachable via PSTA Route #52.

Pinellas Park isn’t left out either! The Boys & Girls Club of the Suncoast and the First United Methodist Church (note: requires stairs) are available for those seeking shelter. With multiple options, there’s no need to face the elements alone.

The Bigger Picture of Homelessness

2024 Pinellas County Point in Time (PIT) Count revealed that there were 721 unhoused individuals this year, marking a worrying 12% increase from last year. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about people, families, and community.

With the new Florida law set to make sleeping in public places illegal by October 1, 2025, the urgency to provide accessible resources intensifies. Advocates are voicing concerns that this law could push individuals further into hiding, making it even tougher for them to get the support they need.

Understanding the Causes

Why is homelessness rising in our community? A mix of factors contributes to this complex issue. Challenges such as financial aid problems, domestic violence, mental health issues, and substance abuse all play a role. In fact, more than 2,110 people faced homelessness on just one night last year.

Among these individuals, a large number are children, with approximately 3,555 local kids experiencing homelessness between August 2023 and January 2024. To underscore this issue, during the recent PIT count, it was revealed that 34% of the homeless population had no shelter whatsoever.

Support and Resources on the Horizon

Organizations in the region are working diligently to expand shelter capacity, adding anywhere from 10 to 25 new spaces for clients. Collaborations among community stakeholders are ramping up to address the growing need for beds as the winter months approach.

With insightful planning and funding from organizations like HUD, which provided $6.1 million last year for community services, the future looks hopeful. However, sustaining this effort relies on the joint effort of the community to ensure everyone has a place to rest their head, especially during the colder nights.