Temperatures are expected to plummet this weekend, with a low of 37 degrees Friday. Anticipating the weather, Alachua County will activate its Cold Night Shelter program Thursday evening.
The program provides overnight housing when temperatures drop below 45 degrees. It typically runs Nov. 1 to March 31, with services designed to help those experiencing homelessness, but available to all community members.
St. Francis House will provide temporary housing for families, women and children at 413 South Main St, with beds, blankets and a hot breakfast.
GRACE Marketplace will serve individual adults and their pets at 3055 NE 28th Drive. Its gates will open at 7 p.m. and close at 7 a.m. the following day.
According to an Alachua County Facebook post, both facilities plan to keep shelters open until overnight temperatures rise above 45 degrees.
Contact Natalie Kaufman at nkaufman@alligator.org. Follow her on X @Nat_Kauf.
Natalie Kaufman is a sophomore journalism student and the Alligator's Fall 2024 Metro General Assignment reporter. In her free time, she likes drinking copious amounts of caffeine and running.