ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Cold weather shelters and other groups are working to make sure no one has to sleep outside through the cold weather we are currently experiencing in Central Florida.
Matthew’s Hope is one of those groups.
Matthew’s Hope offers people support on a weekly basis, but it hasn’t opened its doors overnight in years.
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When the group found out about the freezing temps this weekend, it took action.
Sydney Jones is one of the estimated 5,000 people in Central Florida who don’t have a place to call home.
With this weekend’s frigid conditions, Jones is thankful for Matthew’s Hope.
Read: Cold weather continues across Central Florida, with warmer temps just around the corner
“I’m a survivor, thanks to God,” Jones said. “When we had those winds and it was raining, I was holding myself down with a blanket and I thought I was going to fly away.”
The outreach center typically only brings people to its location on Tuesdays and Thursdays giving them a chance for a hot meal and a shower.
It also has street teams that bring hygiene kits and clothes to those who prefer not to visit.
Read: Some cold weather shelters reach capacity as front brings freezing temps to Central Florida
“The day before I was sleeping in an abandoned house because it was really cold. I woke up and one of my friends was looking through the window and said Matthew’s Hope is here for you. I was like what no, there’s no way,” Jones added.
For the first time in years, Matthew’s Hope has opened its doors for people overnight, helping them stay fed, warm and safe.
“This is probably one of the most last-minute, exciting things that we could’ve done to help these people. It’s cold out. Florida isn’t used to this,” said Matthew’s Hope guest advocate Andrea Pumar.
Read: 9 tips to heat your home safely
Pumar said it all happened, thanks to donations and volunteers.
If you run into someone who may need a place to sleep tonight or any other night, point them to the nearest bus stop. Lynx drivers will take them to a shelter, free of charge.
Read: Central Florida counties open cold weather shelters as front brings freezing temperatures
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