From Staff Reports and the City of Apopka
In Summary:
Apopka officials announced plans to operate a Cold Weather Shelter in partnership with local churches and faith-based volunteers as temperatures drop. Shelter locations will include One Family Church and First Methodist Church, Apopka. Guests will receive hot meals, though pets are not permitted.
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The City of Apopka, in partnership with local churches and faith-based volunteers, will open a Cold Weather Shelter on multiple nights this weekend to assist residents during periods of cold weather.
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City officials said the shelter will operate at rotating church locations, offering overnight accommodations and hot meals to those in need as colder temperatures move through Central Florida.
The shelter will open Friday night, from 6 pm to 7 am, at One Family Church, located at 500 S. Highland Avenue.
Shelter operations will continue on Saturday and Sunday nights, from 6:30 pm to 7 am, at First Methodist Church Apopka, located at 201 S. Park Avenue.
According to the city, guests at all shelter locations will be provided with a hot dinner in the evening and breakfast the following morning. Pets are not permitted at the shelter.
City officials encouraged residents who may be vulnerable to cold weather conditions, or who know someone in need, to share the shelter information and help ensure those residents have access to a warm, safe place to stay overnight.
Orange County shelters are open Tuesday-Friday
Due to forecasted temperatures below 40°F, Orange County has opened temporary warming centers to support the Homeless Services Network (HSN) in providing short-term overnight shelter for individuals without stable housing.
The temporary warming centers will be located at the gymnasiums of Barnett Park Recreation Center and Goldenrod Recreation Center on the following dates:
- Tuesday, January 27 | 5 pm to 9 am.
- Wednesday, January 28 | 5 pm to 9 am.
- Thursday, January 29 | 5 pm to 10 am.
LYNX buses will offer free transportation to individuals traveling to a warming center. Secured pets are welcome on LYNX buses and at the warming centers. Pet owners must provide carriers for cats, leashes for dogs, and are responsible for bringing food and supplies.
Please note that operational hours are subject to change based on weather forecast conditions. For more information on Orange County-operated warming centers, please visit www.ocfl.net/cold.
Additional HSN-partner locations providing homeless services include:
- Coalition for the Homeless, 18 North Terry Ave., Orlando, FL 32801
- Matthew’s Hope – 611 Business Park Blvd., Winter Garden, FL 34787
- Orlando Union Rescue Mission, 3300 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32805
- The Salvation Army Orlando (Men Only), 624 Lexington Ave., Orlando, FL 32801
- The Salvation Army Orlando (Women and Children Only), 400 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32804
For Apopka residents:
1) Decide the best option based on location
- If someone can travel to Orlando, go directly to the Orange County warming centers(Barnett Park or Goldenrod) during operating hours.
- If someone is in or near Apopka and needs ongoing help beyond one night, consider connecting with Matthew’s Hope (Winter Garden), which offers homeless services and support resources.
2) Use warming centers for immediate overnight safety
- Arrive during intake hours (starting 5 pm) on:
- Monday, January 26
- Tuesday, January 27
- Thursday, January 29
- Bring essentials if possible: ID, any medications, phone charger, warm layers, and basic toiletries.
3) If transportation is a barrier
- For people who can reach Bithlo Community Park, Orange County is providing free LYNX bus pickups to Goldenrod on warming center nights.
- Apopka residents without transportation should coordinate with local churches, nonprofits, or family/friends to reach a partner site closer to West Orange County, including Matthew’s Hope.
4) For Apopka residents: Connect with Matthew’s Hope in Winter Garden
Matthew’s Hope is listed as an HSN partner location and may be the most practical starting point for Apopka-area residents needing services beyond emergency overnight shelter.
- Matthew’s Hope
611 Business Park Blvd., Winter Garden, FL 34787
Best approach:
- Go early in the day, if possible (before the evening cold sets in), to ask about available services, shelter guidance, and next steps.
5) If someone has a pet
- Pets are allowed at warming centers if secured.
- Bring: carrier for cats, leash for dogs, plus food/water and supplies.
Key Points:
- The Cold Weather Shelter in Apopka will operate Friday through Sunday
- Locations include two Apopka churches
- Shelter hours run from early evening through 7 am
- Dinner and breakfast will be provided
- Pets are not allowed
