From Staff Reports
It's going to be cold in Apopka this week, with temperatures potentially projected to dip into the 30s. That may sound like a bundle-up, stay warm, and be a minor inconvenience for most, but it could prove fatal for the unhoused and those without inside heating.
Fortunately, a local church is making their space available for those in need.
First Presbyterian Church of Apopka/One Family Church is opening its doors on nights this week for residents who are unsheltered or without heat. Pastor Melo Sauval will open the church from 7pm-7am on days with sustained temperatures below 40 degrees on a trial basis.
Sauval and Pastor David Shorejs of the Next Step Foundation/First Baptist Church of Apopka also request community volunteers, and provide an evening meal, breakfast before leaving, and snacks for their guests.
"This has been a long time coming, and I was grateful for my in-person conversation with Rev. Melo, his love for his neighbors, and his eagerness and willingness to welcome them into his home with a smile on his face," said Dr. Phyllis Olmstead, an Apopka resident who emaile The Apopka Voice with this announcement. "This congregation and its pastor is a great asset to our community."
Over the weekend, Shorejs put the idea into motion after conversations with Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson.
"Yesterday and Today - I have had conversations with the Mayor concerning the upcoming Cold Weather," he said in an email to The Apopka Voice. "First Presbyterian Church of Apopka/One Family Church has tentatively agreed to open their doors for shelter on necessary evenings. This will be for anyone who is without shelter or heat. This could be Tuesday, Wednesday, and possibly Thursday. We would open at 7:00 pm and release at 7:00 am.
He also added the logistics of a volunteer schedule:
Ideally, we would have three people per shift (three shifts each night)
7:00 pm - 12:00 pm.
12:00 pm - 4:00 am
4:00 am to 7:00 pm (or until all are out of the building).
Please let me know if you would like to volunteer to take a shift or more, and I will assemble a roster with the best contact info.
We would also like to provide a meal at 7:15 each evening and Breakfast at 6:00 each morning. Please let me know if you can provide food, drinks, or snacks.
Trusting God to help us through this challenging time!"
First Presbyterian Church of Apopka is located at 500 South Highland Avenue, Apopka, 32703.
This developing story will be updated as more details are available.
