From the Orange County Newsroom
In Summary:
As cold overnight temperatures approach, the City of Apopka is activating a Cold Weather Shelter to assist residents without stable housing. One Family Church will provide overnight accommodations and hot meals on two dates in January. In addition, Orange County will open warming centers at designated recreation facilities for residents who need alternative shelter options.
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Cold Weather Shelter Notice for Apopka
The City of Apopka, in collaboration with One Family Church (First Presbyterian Church of Apopka) and faith-based volunteers, will open a Cold Weather Shelter to assist residents during the upcoming cold weather.
Related: Homeless youth say they need more from schools, social services.
One Family Church has graciously offered its facility as a shelter for these dates. A hot meal will be provided (dinner and breakfast).
Shelter Details:
Location: One Family Church (First Presbyterian Church of Apopka) – 500 S Highland Ave, Apopka, FL 32703
Shelter Date and Time:
- Thursday, January 15, at 7 pm to Friday, January 16, at 7 am
- Sunday, January 18, at 7 pm to Monday, January 19, at 7 am
Please Note: Pets are not permitted at the shelter.
In Orange County:
Due to forecasted temperatures below 40°F, temporary warming centers will open to support the Homeless Services Network (HSN) by providing short-term overnight shelter for individuals without stable housing.
The warming centers will be located at the gymnasiums of Barnett Park Recreation Center and Goldenrod Recreation Center on the following dates:
- Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 5 pm to 10 am.
- Friday, January 16, 2026 | 5 pm to 9 am.
- Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 5 pm to 9 am.
For residents located in rural East Orange County, the 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:
- Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm.
- Friday, January 16, 2026 | 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm.
- Sunday, January 18, 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.
How Apopka residents can utilize the Orange County shelters
Apopka residents seeking access to an Orange County warming center can reach Barnett Park Recreation Center by traveling south on U.S. 441 (Orange Blossom Trail) toward Orlando, or by using LYNX bus routes that connect Apopka to downtown Orlando, where transfers are available to routes serving the Barnett Park area. Individuals who are unsheltered or assisting someone in need may also contact Matthew’s Hope in nearby Winter Garden, which provides outreach services and can help connect people to transportation and shelter options during cold-weather events. Residents are encouraged to plan travel early in the evening, as warming centers open at 5 pm and transportation options may be limited later at night.
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
Key Points:
- Apopka’s Cold Weather Shelter will be located at One Family Church (First Presbyterian Church of Apopka), 500 S. Highland Ave.
- The shelter will operate Thursday, Jan. 15, from 7 pm to Friday, Jan. 16, at 7 am, and Sunday, Jan. 18, from 7 pm to Monday, Jan. 19, at 7 am.
- Dinner and breakfast will be provided; pets are not permitted at the Apopka shelter location.
- Orange County warming centers will open at Barnett Park Recreation Center and Goldenrod Recreation Center when temperatures fall below 40°F.
- Apopka residents can also seek outreach and transportation assistance through Matthew’s Hope in nearby Winter Garden.
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