Urgent: Cold Weather Shelters Ready to Save Lives in Okaloosa

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — As dangerously cold overnight temperatures settle across Okaloosa County, multiple emergency cold weather shelters are opening this week to provide warmth, safety, and critical overnight accommodations for vulnerable residents.

Strategic partner shelters in both South County and North County will begin accepting guests beginning Wednesday night, January 28, with staggered schedules and intake times depending on location.

In South County, One Hopeful Place in Fort Walton Beach will open Wednesday and Thursday evenings, beginning at 4 p.m. The shelter serves adults ages 18 and older and can be reached at 850-586-7879. The facility is located at 1564 N. Beal Extension, Fort Walton Beach.

Transportation for guests was provided earlier this week, though no additional pickup trips are currently scheduled. Shelter residents will be transported back to Shell Avenue on Friday, January 30, at 10 a.m., at which time personal belongings can be retrieved.

Also in South County, Generations Church in Niceville will open Wednesday night with check-in available from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The church serves families with children and elderly individuals and can be reached at 850-678-2531. The shelter is located at 108 FL-85, Niceville. Transportation will be provided for single adults to One Hopeful Place.

In North County, the Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless will operate for an extended period, opening nightly from Wednesday, January 28 through Sunday, February 1, with doors opening at 6 p.m. each evening. The shelter is located at 120 Duggan Avenue in Crestview and can be reached at 850-39,8-5670.

Officials urge residents to share this information with anyone who may need shelter during the cold snap, noting that cold weather events can pose serious health risks for individuals without stable housing.