{"id":24980,"date":"2026-01-29T19:42:54","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T00:42:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/miami\/2026\/01\/29\/chilly-weather-prompts-shelters-to-open-in-south-florida\/"},"modified":"2026-01-29T19:42:55","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T00:42:55","slug":"chilly-weather-prompts-shelters-to-open-in-south-florida","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/miami\/2026\/01\/29\/chilly-weather-prompts-shelters-to-open-in-south-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Chilly weather prompts shelters to open in South Florida"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction to Cold Weather Shelters<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Broward County Shelters<\/h2>\n

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\u2019s director of housing options, solutions and supports division. <\/p>\n

The Salvation Army acts as a \u201ctriage center,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

Importance of Seeking Shelter<\/h3>\n

\u201cAs each night goes by and the temperature drops, we\u2019re seeing more people,\u201d Paldino said. \u201cIf 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.\u201d 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. <\/p>\n

Past Experiences with Cold Weather<\/h2>\n

This weekend\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Support Services Offered<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Palm Beach County Shelters<\/h2>\n

In Palm Beach County, shelters there also will be open over the next few days. According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff\u2019s Office, the Salvation Army Center of Hope at 1577 N. Military Trail and The Lord\u2019s 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\u2019s Cold Weather Shelter Program will begin on Saturday at 7 p.m., meaning more locations will be available until Monday at 9 a.m.<\/p>\n

Accessibility of Shelters in Palm Beach County<\/h3>\n

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\u2019s Homeless Intervention Team.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n