Introduction to Cold Weather Shelters
As chilly weather persists in South Florida, shelters have been opening in both Broward and Palm Beach counties. Low temperatures will remain in the 40s and 50s, with high temperatures in the upper 60s, through Friday, and temps could drop even lower on Sunday and Monday. In response, officials in Broward and Palm Beach county have announced shelter placement availability.
Broward County Shelters
In Broward County, the Salvation Army at 1445 W. Broward Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale will be available into Tuesday morning, offering shelter over the weekend and on Monday morning when temps are expected to be in the 30s, said Patrice Paldino, the county’s director of housing options, solutions and supports division.
The Salvation Army acts as a “triage center,” Paldino said, where people arrive but then may be placed at a partnering shelter location. The system operates on a first-come, first-serve basis due to limited space, and Paldino said the county is close to hitting maximum availability.
Importance of Seeking Shelter
“As each night goes by and the temperature drops, we’re seeing more people,” Paldino said. “If you have family or friends you know in the streets, now is the time to open your homes because these are the temps people can die in.” The Salvation Army in Fort Lauderdale, seen on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2026, acts as a "triage center" during the cold weather, where people arrive but then may be placed at a partnering shelter location.
Past Experiences with Cold Weather
This weekend’s cold blast, with temps expected to drop into the 30s, will have similar temperatures to a record-breaking 12-day cold spell in early January of 2010, when temperatures in South Florida resulted in two deaths due to exposure. According to the National Weather Service, a homeless man died in Hollywood, and a 77-year-old man died from cold exposure in his non-heated apartment in Miami.
Support Services Offered
In offering help, the Salvation Army site also will provide blankets, hats, scarves, bus passes and socks, according to a post on X from the Broward County Government. The Broward County Homeless Helpline is available daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 954-563-4357.
Palm Beach County Shelters
In Palm Beach County, shelters there also will be open over the next few days. According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the Salvation Army Center of Hope at 1577 N. Military Trail and The Lord’s Place at 2808 N. Australian Ave. in West Palm Beach opened Thursday and will again open Friday. And according to a county news release Thursday afternoon, the county’s Cold Weather Shelter Program will begin on Saturday at 7 p.m., meaning more locations will be available until Monday at 9 a.m.
Accessibility of Shelters in Palm Beach County
The two locations that will be available from Saturday to Monday are the Salvation Army Center of Hope and the Belle Glade Transitional Shelter and Lake Village at the Glades at 341 NW 11th St. For these needing transportation, calling 211 will contact the county’s Homeless Intervention Team.
Conclusion
The opening of shelters in both Broward and Palm Beach counties is a crucial step in protecting the vulnerable population from the harsh effects of cold weather. It is essential for everyone to be aware of the resources available and to seek help when needed. By providing shelter, support services, and transportation, these counties aim to prevent tragedies like those seen in the past due to cold exposure.
FAQs
- Q: What are the temperatures expected in South Florida?
A: Low temperatures will remain in the 40s and 50s, with high temperatures in the upper 60s, through Friday, and temps could drop even lower on Sunday and Monday. - Q: Where can I find shelter in Broward County?
A: The Salvation Army at 1445 W. Broward Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale will be available into Tuesday morning. - Q: What services are offered at the Salvation Army site?
A: The Salvation Army site will provide blankets, hats, scarves, bus passes, and socks. - Q: How can I get in touch with the Broward County Homeless Helpline?
A: The Broward County Homeless Helpline is available daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 954-563-4357. - Q: What is the Cold Weather Shelter Program in Palm Beach County?
A: The county’s Cold Weather Shelter Program will begin on Saturday at 7 p.m. and will provide more locations available until Monday at 9 a.m. - Q: How can I get transportation to a shelter in Palm Beach County?
A: For those needing transportation, calling 211 will contact the county’s Homeless Intervention Team.
