Hillsborough County Opening Cold Weather Shelters

Hillsborough County residents in need of a warm place to stay as temperatures dip into the 30s over much of the region will find several shelters available to them.

The county has announced that it is opening its cold weather shelters Wednesday night for those who live in homes without adequate heating. Overnight Wednesday and into Thursday morning, the wind chill factor is expected to bring conditions down into the freezing range.

Those who need transportation to one of the county’s shelters can call 813-272-7272 for assistance between 5:30 and 8 p.m. Officials urge only calling for a ride if no other options are available.

The following shelters will be available Wednesday night:

Bethune Recreation Center, 5809 Edina St. in Wimauma

• This shelter opens at 6 p.m. and is for adults and families.
• Call: 813-672-7881

Brandon Community Center, 510 E. Sadie St. in Brandon

• This shelter opens at 6 p.m. and is for homeless adults and families with children.
• Call: 813-635-8179

Jackson Springs Recreation Center, 8620 Jackson Springs Road in Town ‘N’ Country.

• This shelter opens at 6 p.m. and is for adults and families.
• Call: 813-554-5004

Metropolitan Ministries, 2106 N. Florida Ave. in Tampa

• This location is where families go for motel vouchers beginning at 4 p.m.
• After hours phone: 813-209-1077

Salvation Army, 1514 N. Florida Ave. in Tampa.

• This shelter opens at 4 p.m. and is for adults only.
• After hours phone: 813-221-4440

Several of the county’s shelters are also in need of donations of such items as hats, blankets, socks, disinfectant wipes and spray, toothpaste, coffee, paper products, sugar and related nonperishable and toiletry items. Shelters in need include the Bethune Recreation Center, Brandon Community Center, Jackson Springs Recreation Center, and Metropolitan Ministries.

Donations for Metropolitan Ministries can be dropped off at 2101 N. Florida Ave. Donations made after hours should be placed in the drop box. Those wishing to donate supplies are asked to contact specific shelters directly.

See Also:

• Frigid Weather Moving into Tampa Bay
• Hazardous Weather Warnings Go Up Throughout Tampa Bay

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