Hillsborough County, Fla. (March 17, 2026) - Hillsborough County's cold weather shelters will be activated on Tuesday, March 17, for the homeless and those living in homes without adequate heat who are unable to find other accommodations. Hillsborough County activates cold weather shelters when the National Weather Service forecasts temperatures to dip to or below 40 degrees with wind chill for two consecutive hours between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., which is forecasted to occur Tuesday night in Hillsborough County.
Shelter organizers are expecting high demand with limited capacity, so residents who need a warm place to stay are encouraged to use all resources, such as family and friends, as a first option.
Hillsborough County is partnering with the following organizations to provide limited-capacity cold weather shelters for adults. All shelters will take in guests from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, unless they reach capacity prior to that time.
Hyde Park United Methodist Church - Harnish Center
500 W. Platt St., Tampa, FL 33606
(preferred media location)
Tampa Bay Mission of Hope
110 S. Parsons Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511
Church of God of Prophecy Hyde Park
107 S. Oregon Ave., Tampa, FL 33606
The Portico
1001 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, FL 33602
All congregate shelters are reserved for adults only. Metropolitan Ministries is supplying a limited number of motel vouchers on a first-come, first-served basis for families with minor children. Pre-registration is required for motel vouchers by calling (813) 209-1176. Phone lines will be open Tuesday, March 17, until 5 p.m. or until all available vouchers have been distributed.