Shelters open as winter weather moves in

From the Pensacola News Journal:

Waterfront Rescue Mission is anticipating an increase of individuals seeking warm shelter as the temperatures drop below freezing over the next few days.

The Mission is opening its doors to everyone. For women, and individuals with children, the Mission will be providing transportation to either the Mission’s Women Shelter or to an alternative shelter.

Any person in need of somewhere to stay may contact the Waterfront Mission at 436-7868. The Mission is located at 348 W. Herman St. in Pensacola.

Lunch registration begins at 11 a.m., and registration for dinner and overnight shelter begins at 3 p.m.

The Mission is also seeking help from the community to donate items needed to address the increase of individuals in search of shelter and meals. Items needed are:

• Blankets

• Coats

• Gloves/scarves

• Sleeping bags

• Canned food/non-perishable food

The Salvation Army will allow anyone who needs shelter today or Wednesday night to stay at their facility located at 1310 N. S St. in Pensacola.

Check in will be from 4 to 9 p.m., and dinner will be provided.

If the facility reaches capacity, additional beds will be provided at the Salvation Army Community Center at 1501 N. Q St.

Heavenly Blessings Ministries, 1614 North T St., will be open today and Wednesday to anyone needing shelter.

The building has no heating, but blankets and food will be available.

In Santa Rosa County, two churches will be opening up their doors to serve as cold weather shelters for the homeless through Thursday morning.

• Ferris Hill Baptist Church, 6848 Chaffin St., Milton

• Community of Christ Church, 2111 Presidio St., Navarre

Shelters will open on the following dates and times:

• Tuesday night: Shelter opens at 5 p.m. and closes at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

• Wednesday night: Those who would like to stay at the shelter must arrive between 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The shelters are for people who are homeless or heatless, can care for themselves, and are not at risk to themselves or others. No one will be admitted to the shelter that is under the influence of drugs or alcohol and are unable to walk unaided or are disoriented.