Cold Weather Shelters
Cold Weather Shelter, open when temperatures dip below 40-degrees, are available on a rotating basis at six local churches as protection to those in need during freezing weather. Weather forecasts call for freezing temperatures in the mid- to low 20s along the Florida Panhandle tonight and Thursday.
Host shelters and days of operation:
Sunday - First Presbyterian Church at the corner of Beal and First Street
Monday - Mary Esther Methodist at 703 E. Miracle Strip Pkwy.
Tuesday - Gregg Chapel AME at 34 Carson Street
Wednesday and Friday - St. Simon Episcopal Church at 28 SW Miracle Strip Pkwy.
Thursday - Hollywood Boulevard Baptist at 204 SE Hollywood Blvd.
Saturday - Seventh-Day-Adventist at 119 SW St. Mary Ave.
Shelters operate from 6 p.m. until 8 a.m.
Shelter openings will be announced individually throughout the upcoming winter months.
The Cold Weather Shelters are part of the Continuum of Care Program implemented by the Okaloosa Coalition on the Homeless five years ago. Program organizers estimate approximately 50 to 65 individuals take advantage of the shelters each time one opens.
For more information on the Cold Weather Program, call Pat Walchenbach at (850) 243-1212.