TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — With a freeze warning in place, Leon County and the City of Tallahassee are putting their Cold Weather Plan into action.
Three overnight shelters will open for the next two nights and take in anyone looking to escape the cold.
Those in need should go to the Good Samaritan Thrift Store. From there, Star Metro will drop people off at Jacob Chapel Baptist Church, City Walk Urban Mission, or Capital City Youth Services.
County Commissioner Rick Minor said when conditions get this serious, emergency action is necessary.
"Tonight and tomorrow night wind chills should get down to 30 degrees or lower that kicks in the cold shelter we want to do," said Minor. "Non-profits that are providing for people in need, we all are working together to keep people safe and warm during these cold temperatures."
The organizations involved say they are happy to help.
Each shelter will have strict COVID-19 guidelines like mask requirements; cots and pillows will be sanitized before and after a person uses them.
"Cold shelter is enacted when there are three consecutive hours in a night that are going to be 35 degrees or lower, so its really critical that folks that are unsheltered find shelter with us this evening and tomorrow night so they can remain safe," said Kearney Center spokesperson Audra Peoples.
Combined shelters can house up to 125 people.
"What we want to do as a community is make sure that, especially during times when temperatures can really dip below freezing, that we have a place where people can go and stay warm over night," said Minor.
Those in need of shelter must arrive at Good Samaritan Thrift Store between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Starmetro will pick them up and drop them off at the shelters.
For more shelter locations, click here.
