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Falling Temperatures Open Shelter Doors

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By GEOFF FOX, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 15, 2008

HUDSON - For many people, a forecast of overnight temperatures in the 30s results in grumbling about having to turn on the heat.

Not everyone has such a quick fix.

As the National Weather Service predicted Monday and Tuesday night temperatures of 35 or 36 degrees, with the wind chill making it seem even colder, officials with two area homeless shelters announced they will offer shelter and hot meals.

The shelters are the Holy Ground Homeless Shelter on Denton Avenue in Hudson and First United Methodist Church of New Port Richey on Indiana Avenue. The Holy Ground shelter can be reached at (727) 863-9123; the Methodist Church of New Port Richey can be reached at (727) 389-6928.

Unfortunately, not all of the area's homeless get that information, said the Rev. Dan Campbell of Community United Methodist Church on U.S. 19 in Holiday. Fresh Start for Pasco and the Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County are working to remedy that, he said.

"People know about Holy Ground because it's been there a good, long time," Campbell said. "But that's been almost the only one. There are some small churches around that a few know about, but, in general, they haven't been offered shelter across the county."

Campbell said the coalition plans to meet next week to discuss opening shelters in Dade City, Land O' Lakes and Zephyrhills. When new shelters open, he said homeless advocates will spread the information.

In the past "we've gone around to convenience stores and left word there," he said. "It's actually a pretty good way to get the word out."

Reporter Geoff Fox can be reached at (813) 948-4217 or gfox@tampatrib.com.

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