With temperatures expected to plummet into the low 40s on Tuesday night and down to the low 30s in some areas by Wednesday night, several cold-weather shelters are set to open for those in need across the Suncoast.
In Manatee County, the Salvation Army will offer free shelter on the nights of December 30 and 31 at its facility located at 1204 14th Street West in Bradenton. Shuttle service will be provided to the shelter from several locations, including Turning Points, the MCAT bus depot, Under One Roof, and the Palmetto Police Department, starting at 3:30 p.m. The shelter will accommodate up to 53 individuals in the men’s area and have space for 25 families.
Sarasota County will also see the Salvation Army opening its shelter on the same nights at 1400 10th Street in Sarasota. Additionally, a meal and blankets will be available starting at 6 p.m. at 100 Church, located at 14525 Tamiami Trail in North Port. Those in the North Port area can utilize the Breeze Route 9, which operates regularly and stops approximately one block from the church, or the Breeze OnDemand service for transportation. More information on bus services is available online.
In Charlotte County, the Charlotte CARE Center, previously known as the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition, will provide shelter on December 30 and 31 at 1476 Kenesaw Street in Port Charlotte. Interested individuals must pre-register by calling 941-627-4313 and are required to arrive by 8 p.m.
As temperatures drop, these shelters play a crucial role in ensuring that vulnerable populations have a safe and warm place to stay, showcasing the community’s efforts to support its members during challenging weather conditions.