From the Orange County Newsroom
In Summary:
Orange County will open temporary warming centers at Barnett Park Recreation Center and Goldenrod Recreation Center from Feb. 22–24 to support the Homeless Services Network during cold weather conditions. Free LYNX bus transportation will be available from Bithlo Community Park to Goldenrod on select evenings. Apopka-area residents are encouraged to consider both immediate warming center options and longer-term assistance through Matthew’s Hope in Winter Garden.
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Due to forecasted temperatures of 40 degrees and below, 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: A new ‘solution’ to student homelessness: A parking lot where students can sleep safely in their cars.
The temporary warming centers will be located at the gymnasiums of Barnett Park Recreation Center and Goldenrod Recreation Center on the following dates:
- Sunday, February 22, 2026 | 7 pm to 10 am
- Monday, February 23, 2026 | 5 pm to 10 am
- Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 5 pm to 9 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:
- Sunday, February 22 | ONLY 7:30 pm
- Monday, February 23 | 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm
- Tuesday, February 24 | 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
- The Salvation Army (Men Only), 624 Lexington Ave., Orlando, FL 32801
- The Salvation Army (Women and Children Only), 400 W. 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
- 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:
Warming Center Locations:
Barnett Park Recreation Center
Goldenrod Recreation Center
• Dates & Hours:
Sunday, February 22 | 7 pm – 10 am
Monday, February 23 | 5 pm – 10 am
Tuesday, February 24 | 5 pm – 9 am
• Transportation:
Free LYNX bus service from Bithlo Community Park to Goldenrod
Sunday: 7:30 pm only
Monday & Tuesday: 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm
• Pets Welcome:
Cats must be in carriers; dogs must be leashed. Owners must provide food and supplies.
• Apopka Residents:
Those needing longer-term assistance may contact Matthew’s Hope, 611 Business Park Blvd., Winter Garden.
