From the Orange County Newsroom
In Summary:
Orange County officials announced temporary warming centers will open on select nights next week to support the Homeless Services Network and provide short-term shelter during cold weather. The centers will be hosted in gymnasiums at Barnett Park Recreation Center and Goldenrod Recreation Center, operating overnight on Jan. 26–27 and January 29. Free LYNX transportation will be offered from Bithlo Community Park to Goldenrod, and pets must be secured in proper carriers or leashes.
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Due to forecasted temperatures below 40°F, Orange County will open temporary warming centers to support the Homeless Services Network (HSN) in providing short-term overnight shelter for individuals without stable housing.
Related: How planned giving helps sustain Matthew’s Hope and allows donors to leave a lasting legacy.
The temporary warming centers will be located at the gymnasiums of Barnett Park Recreation Center and Goldenrod Recreation Center on the following dates:
- Monday, January 26, 2026 | 5 pm to 9 am.
- Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | 5 pm to 9 am.
- Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 5 pm to 10 am.
For residents located in rural East Orange County, Bithlo Community Park will serve as a transportation hub, providing bus service to the Goldenrod Recreation Center. LYNX bus pickups will occur on the following dates:
- Monday, January 26, 2026 | 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm.
- Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm.
- Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm.
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.
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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:
- Orange County will open temporary warming centers due to forecasted temperatures below 40°F.
- Centers will operate at Barnett Park Recreation Center and Goldenrod Recreation Center gymnasiums.
- Dates and hours: Jan. 26–27 (5 pm–9 am) and January 29 (5 pm–10 am).
- Free LYNX bus transportation will run from Bithlo Community Park to Goldenrod on warming center nights.
- Secured pets are allowed on LYNX buses and at warming centers with carriers/leashes and owner-provided supplies.
