Faith-based organizations, nonprofits, volunteers, and County partners mobilized an unprecedented 23 times, serving nearly 10,000 residents
Hillsborough County, Fla. (March 9, 2026) - During one of the busiest cold weather seasons in Hillsborough County's history, thousands of vulnerable residents found warmth, safety, and hope through the County's Cold Weather Shelter Program, a communitywide effort powered by faith-based organizations, nonprofit partners, and dedicated volunteers who open their doors at a moment's notice.
So far this winter, Hillsborough County activated its Cold Weather Shelter Plan 23 times, surpassing last season's previously set record of 16 times. The program is activated when the National Weather Service forecasts temperatures to dip to or below 40 degrees with wind chill for at least two consecutive hours between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Across those activations, shelters and partner organizations served 9,651 individuals, offering a warm place to sleep, hot meals, transportation assistance, and connections to long-term services designed to help people move toward stability.
Partners Mobilize Within Hours When the Call Comes In
Unlike traditional shelters, Hillsborough County's cold weather shelters rely largely on faith-based and community organizations that voluntarily transform their facilities into emergency shelters when dangerous temperatures arrive.
When an activation call goes out, leaders of faith-based organizations and volunteers immediately implement their operations plan, which includes setting up mats with blankets for places to sleep, organizing meals, coordinating staffing, and welcoming guests seeking refuge from the cold.
Shelter partners this season included Amazing Love Ministries, Church of God of Prophecy Hyde Park, Greater New Hope Anointed Ministries, Hyde Park United Methodist Church, Tampa Bay Mission of Hope, and The Portico, who serve single adults. The Salvation Army and American Red Cross also stepped forward to expand shelter capacity during some of the most extreme cold nights of the season.
Families with children were assisted separately through motel vouchers coordinated by Metropolitan Ministries, ensuring families can stay together in safe accommodations during cold weather events. This season, motel vouchers provided shelter for 4,556 people.
Providing Hope for the Future
Each night shelters are activated, guests receive far more than protection from the cold. Through collaborations with outreach teams and community partners including Metropolitan Ministries Metro BrigAIDe, Saint Vincent de Paul Cares, Hillsborough County Health Care Services, Hillsborough County Homeless & Community Services, and others, guests are connected to critical long-term resources, including:
- Veteran services
- Temporary and permanent housing programs
- Health care coverage through the Hillsborough County Health Care Plan
- Loved-one reunification services
Hillsborough County Sunshine Line and Hillsborough County Public Schools work behind the scenes to transport guests safely to shelters and balance capacity when locations fill up.
A Growing Need Among Seniors
One notable trend this season has been a significant increase in senior residents seeking shelter. Many older adults living on fixed incomes are increasingly struggling with rising housing and utility costs, leaving some without adequate heat or safe living conditions during cold snaps.
The shelters provide not only immediate relief but also an opportunity to connect seniors with benefits, health resources, and supportive services that can improve long-term stability.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Network
As this historic season comes to a close, Hillsborough County is encouraging additional community and faith-based organizations, particularly in underserved and outlying areas of the county, to consider joining the Cold Weather Shelter network in future seasons.
Expanding geographic coverage helps ensure residents across the county can access shelter in their community and reduces transportation barriers during severe weather.
Faith-based organizations and community groups interested in becoming a Cold Weather Shelter partner should contact Homeless & Community Services by phone at (813) 274-6834 or by emailing MendozaO@HCFL.gov.
Partnerships Make It Possible
Hillsborough County's Cold Weather Shelter Program is made possible thanks to the cold weather shelter partners and their volunteers who work closely with County staff from Homeless & Community Services, Code Enforcement, Parks & Recreation, Sunshine Line, Emergency Management, and Affordable Housing Services, as well as Hillsborough County Public Schools, the Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative (THHI), Tampa Fire Rescue, and the City of Tampa Office of Emergency Management.