Cold Weather Shelters Open in Greater Brandon

Temperatures will drop quickly Tuesday afternoon and into the evening, prompting the county to announce the opening of cold weather shelters.

The National Weather Service says to expect a brisk night on Tuesday, March 26, with temperatures in the mid-30s.

People can seek shelter from the chill and gusting winds. Hillsborough County cold weather shelters will open Tuesday afternoon (March 26) at the times listed below for the homeless and those who live in homes without adequate heat.

This will be the sixth time that cold weather shelters have opened this winter.

Brandon Community Center, 510 E. Sadie St. in Brandon: This shelter opens at 5:30 p.m. and is for homeless individuals and families with children in the Brandon Area. Phone: 813-635-8179

Wimauma Community Center, 5705 Hillsborough St. in Wimauma. This shelter opens at 6 p.m. and is open for adults and families. Phone: 813-635-3500.

Most shelters will close the following morning around 7 a.m. Hillsborough County coordinates with these organizations to help provide cold weather shelters when temperatures are predicted to reach 32 or below degrees, including wind chill.

Donations

The Brandon Community Center, Jackson Springs Recreation Center, and Wimauma Community Center are accepting donations of shelter supplies, such as blankets, disinfectant wipes, disposable cups, coffee, creamer, paper plates, plastic utensils, and sugar. Those wishing to donate supplies should contact each individual shelter.

Meals for the shelters are provided through Metropolitan Ministries. Those wishing to donate non-perishable items should contact Metropolitan Ministries at 813-209-1000.