From the Orange County Newsroom
In Summary:
Due to forecasted cold temperatures, Orange County Government will open temporary warming centers at Barnett Park Recreation Center Gym and Goldenrod Recreation Center. The centers will operate overnight on December 30 and December 31 in partnership with the Homeless Services Network. Free transportation will be available via LYNX buses for those seeking shelter.
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Due to predicted cold weather, Orange County Government will continue to support the Homeless Services Network (HSN) in welcoming residents and people without stable housing to two area Warming Centers, Barnett Park Recreation Center Gym and Goldenrod Recreation Center. For two nights, these temporary locations will complement our efforts to meet the needs of our homeless population and anyone in need of protection from the extremely cold weather.
Related: A new ‘solution’ to student homelessness: A parking lot where students can sleep safely in their cars.
Orange County Warming Centers will operate overnight on Tuesday, December 30, and reopen for overnight hours on Wednesday, December 31. Operating hours for both locations will be 5:00 am to 9:00 pm the following morning.
Warming Centers are pet-friendly. Secured pets are welcome on LYNX buses and in the County's Warming Centers. Owners are required to provide cats with carriers and dogs on a leash.
Orange County Warming Centers:
Barnett Park Recreation Center Gym
4801 W Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32808
Goldenrod Recreation Center/Goldenrod Park
4863 N Goldenrod RD
Winter Park, FL 32792
Transportation:
Regional LYNX buses will provide free rides for individuals seeking transportation to the HSN shelters listed below. Riders must let the LYNX driver know that they need shelter. The LYNX driver will transport those in need to the nearest HSN shelter location.
Orange County Homeless Shelters
Coalition for the Homeless
18 N Terry Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
The Salvation Army Orlando (Men Only)
624 Lexington Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
Orlando Union Rescue Mission
3300 West Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32805
Key Points:
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Warming centers will be open overnight from 5 pm to 9 am on December 30 and December 31.
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Locations include the Barnett Park Recreation Center, the Gym, and the Goldenrod Recreation Center.
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Centers are pet-friendly, with leashes required for dogs and carriers for cats.
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LYNX buses will provide free transportation to shelters for those in need.
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Additional overnight shelter is available at the Coalition for the Homeless, the Salvation Army Orlando (men only), and the Orlando Union Rescue Mission.
