Hillsborough Cold Weather Shelters Opening

TAMPA, FL — With temperatures throughout Tampa Bay expected to dip into the near-freezing range overnight Tuesday, Hillsborough County has announced its cold weather shelters will open Tuesday night, Jan. 19.

The shelters are available to the homeless and anyone who does not have adequate heat at home, the county reported. Transportation for those who need it is available by calling 813-276-8136. Residents are asked to call between 5:30 and 8 p.m. for ride assistance.

“Officials recommend calling for a ride only if you are stranded in the cold weather, or live in a home without adequate heat and are physically unable to get to a shelter,” the county noted in an email to media.

The following shelters will open:

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, call 813-209-1077

Salvation Army, 1514 N. Florida Ave. in Tampa

• Opens at 4 p.m. for adults
• After hour, call 813-221-4440

All of the county’s shelters are also accepting donations of hats, gloves, scarves, blankets, socks, disinfectant wipes, toiletries, coffee, creamer, paper products, sugar and other items.

“Residents who must be outside overnight or during the early morning hours are encouraged to dress in several warm layers, and limit skin exposure to the wind,” county officials said. “Pets should not be left outside. The lower-than-normal temperatures combined with strong winds could produce dangerous wind chills.”

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