News Summary
Pinellas County is taking action as cold weather threatens the area, establishing cold night shelters to provide safe and warm sleeping spaces for the homeless. The shelters will operate on Wednesday and Thursday nights from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., supplying individuals with warmth and hot meals. With various locations available and free transit provided by the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, the community is encouraged to seek refuge. The rising homelessness problem emphasizes the urgent need for such initiatives, especially as new laws loom.
Cold Night Shelters Open to Help Those in Need
This week, Pinellas County is stepping up to lend a hand as cold temperatures loom over the area. With the Homeless Leadership Alliance opening cold night shelters, individuals experiencing homelessness will find a warm haven to escape the chilly nights. The shelters will open to provide safe sleeping conditions on Wednesday and Thursday, functioning from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night.
Understanding the Situation
As the thermometer dips and “feels like” temperatures hit the 40-degree mark or lower, this initiative is crucial. It’s a well-known fact that the cold can be harsh, particularly for those without a permanent place to call home. These shelters offer more than just a warm spot for the night; they often serve hot meals to keep the body energized.
Getting There and Where to Go
Thanks to the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), there’s no excuse not to seek warmth. They are providing free bus rides to and from the shelters starting at 5 p.m. That’s right, all you have to do is hop on and head over to your nearest location. If you’re in St. Petersburg, here’s where you can go for a warm bed:
- Northwest Presbyterian Church (6330 54th Ave. N.)
- WestCare Turning Point (1801 5th Ave. N.)
- Unitarian Universalist Church (100 Mirror Lake Dr. N.)
- Salvation Army (1400 4th St. S.)
Meanwhile, if you’re closer to Tarpon Springs or Clearwater, check out:
- The Boys and Girls Club of Tarpon Springs (111 W Lime Street) accessible via PSTA Route #19.
- The First United Methodist Church in Clearwater (411 Turner Street) reachable via PSTA Route #52.
Pinellas Park isn’t left out either! The Boys & Girls Club of the Suncoast and the First United Methodist Church (note: requires stairs) are available for those seeking shelter. With multiple options, there’s no need to face the elements alone.
The Bigger Picture of Homelessness
With the new Florida law set to make sleeping in public places illegal by October 1, 2025, the urgency to provide accessible resources intensifies. Advocates are voicing concerns that this law could push individuals further into hiding, making it even tougher for them to get the support they need.
Understanding the Causes
Why is homelessness rising in our community? A mix of factors contributes to this complex issue. Challenges such as financial aid problems, domestic violence, mental health issues, and substance abuse all play a role. In fact, more than 2,110 people faced homelessness on just one night last year.
Among these individuals, a large number are children, with approximately 3,555 local kids experiencing homelessness between August 2023 and January 2024. To underscore this issue, during the recent PIT count, it was revealed that 34% of the homeless population had no shelter whatsoever.
Support and Resources on the Horizon
Organizations in the region are working diligently to expand shelter capacity, adding anywhere from 10 to 25 new spaces for clients. Collaborations among community stakeholders are ramping up to address the growing need for beds as the winter months approach.
With insightful planning and funding from organizations like HUD, which provided $6.1 million last year for community services, the future looks hopeful. However, sustaining this effort relies on the joint effort of the community to ensure everyone has a place to rest their head, especially during the colder nights.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News: More than 700 People Face Homelessness in Pinellas County
- Hoodline: Pinellas County Opens Cold Night Shelters
- ABC Action News: Homeless Shelters Prepare for Increase in Need
- ABC Action News: Local Non-Profits Increase Shelter Capacity
- St. Pete Catalyst: Study Shows 3555 Local Kids Became Homeless
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
