To combat dropping temperatures, The Salvation Army in Tampa and Hillsborough County are opening their cold weather homeless emergency shelters tonight.
Starting at 4 p.m. at The Salvation Army, shelter and a hot meal will be offered to the homeless tonight by the organization, which has 225 shelter beds and meals for men, women and children, according to a news release. About a dozen overflow beds will also be available.
Said Maj. James Hall, area commander for The Salvation Army in Tampa: "We do all we can to provide people in need a safe and warm haven."
Donations will also be accepted, including hats, gloves, scarves, socks, blankets, disinfectant wipes and sprays, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, disposable cups, coffee, creamer, paper towels, paper plates, sugar and plastic utensils.
The Salvation Army's shelter is located at 1514 N. Florida Avenue in Tampa. For more information on how to donate to the organization, call 813-224-9119.
In addition, Hillsborough County will open its cold weather shelters as well. Anyone who wants shelter should call 813-276-8136 between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to arrange a ride.
The following are locations the county coordinates with to offer shelter:
Bethune Recreation Center, 5809 Edina St. in Wimauma
Opens at 6 p.m. for adults.
(813) 672-7881
Brandon Community Center, 510 E. Sadie St. in Brandon
Opens at 6 p.m. for adults.
(813) 635-8179
Jackson Springs Recreation Center, 8620 Jackson Springs Road in Town ‘N Country
Opens at 6 p.m. for adults.
(813) 554-5004
Metropolitan Ministries, 2106 N. Florida Ave. in Tampa
This location is where families go for motel vouchers before 5 p.m.
After hours: (813) 209-1077
Salvation Army, 1514 N. Florida Ave. in Tampa
Opens at 4 p.m. for adults.
After hours: (813) 221-4440
Donations will also be accepted at these locations for toiletries and items like coffee, sugar and creamer.
