OSCEOLA COUNTY, FL – As Central Florida braces for continued severe cold weather, Osceola County has announced updated information regarding the opening and availability of cold weather shelters for those experiencing homelessness or without warm shelter, including the cancellation of previously announced shelter hours for Thursday, January 29, due to an improvement in the weather forecast.
Following established protocols for when temperatures are predicted to fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for four or more sustained hours, the following locations will be open on the listed dates beginning at 6 p.m. and provide a nighttime refuge:
Saturday, January 31
Kissimmee First Church of the Nazarene (1550 Mill Slough Road, Kissimmee)
First United Methodist Church St. Cloud (1000 Ohio Avenue, St. Cloud)
Sunday, February 1 & Monday, February 2
Kissimmee First Church of the Nazarene (1550 Mill Slough Road, Kissimmee)
Poinciana Christian Church (3181 Pleasant Hill Road, Kissimmee)
First United Methodist Church St. Cloud (1000 Ohio Avenue, St. Cloud)
Faith-based groups and other non-profits are actively reaching out in areas where the homeless are known to congregate to alert them of shelter availability as well as to help coordinate logistics.
Those needing transportation to the shelter location can travel at no cost using LYNX buses by alerting drivers that they will be going to the cold weather shelter. Pets may be temporarily housed at Osceola Animal Services as spacing allows but must be dropped off in a crate or carrier. No pets are allowed at the shelters above, with the exception of designated service animals.
Osceola’s cold weather shelter collaboration program is coordinated by the Osceola County Office of Emergency Management with participation from the cities of Kissimmee and St. Cloud, as well as LYNX, the Hope Partnership, the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida, the Osceola Council on Aging, the Salvation Army, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and other members of the faith-based/non-profit community.
Residents may sign up for alerts on their phone by texting ‘COLDWEATHER’ to 888777.
Officials urge everyone to follow “the Five Ps for Cold Weather Preparedness:” Protect People, Protect Pets, Protect Pipes, Protect Plants and Practice Fire Safety.
Residents should practice fire safety and use safe heating sources indoors. Space heaters should be kept away from draperies, clothing, beds and any other materials that are flammable and can cause a fire. Do not use fuel-burning devices such as grills; they release carbon monoxide, which is a deadly gas.
Pet owners should take proper precautions for pets. Dogs and cats that could be vulnerable to the cold may need to be brought inside or given a warm shelter to stay in. Make sure pipes and plants are protected from freezing.
