OSCEOLA COUNTY, FL– Cold weather shelters will open Monday, February 23, and Tuesday, February 24, to provide overnight refuge for individuals experiencing homelessness or lacking warm shelter, amid forecasted severe cold in Central Florida.
The shelters activate under protocols when temperatures are expected to drop below 40°F for four or more sustained hours. They open at 6 p.m. each night, with doors closing at 10 p.m.
Locations:
- Kissimmee First Church of the Nazarene, 1550 Mill Slough Road, Kissimmee
- First United Methodist Church St. Cloud, 1000 Ohio Avenue, St. Cloud
Faith-based groups and non-profits are notifying homeless individuals in known areas and assisting with logistics.
Free transportation is available via LYNX buses—riders should inform drivers they are heading to a cold weather shelter.
Pets (except service animals) are not permitted at shelters but can be temporarily housed at Osceola Animal Services if space allows, provided they are in a crate or carrier.
The program is coordinated by the Osceola County Office of Emergency Management, in partnership with the cities of Kissimmee and St. Cloud, LYNX, Hope Partnership, Homeless Services Network of Central Florida, Osceola Council on Aging, Salvation Army, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, and faith-based/non-profit groups.
Residents can receive alerts by texting “COLDWEATHER” to 888777.
Officials recommend following the “Five Ps” for cold weather preparedness: Protect People, Protect Pets, Protect Pipes, Protect Plants, and Practice Fire Safety. Use safe indoor heating sources, keep space heaters away from flammables, avoid fuel-burning devices indoors due to carbon monoxide risk, bring vulnerable pets inside or provide warm shelter, and protect pipes and plants from freezing.
SOURCE: OSCEOLA COUNTY GOVERNMENT
