Hyde Park United Methodist is part of a network of shelters that provide warm, secure space for those experiencing homelessness. The program is administered by Hillsborough County government, which monitors weather conditions and issues an alert when the weather forecast shows temperatures will drop below below a predefined threshold. Once that notice is issued, our team of volunteers mobilizes to setup and open the shelter.
Hyde Park United Methodist operates two locations for the cold weather shelter:
- Hyde Park Campus: 500 W. Platt Street, Tampa, 33606
- The Portico Campus: 1001 N Florida Avenue, Tampa, 33602
Volunteers are welcome to choose the location at which they wish to serve.
****************************************************************************************
An Opportunity To Serve
This is NOT an alert. The current weather forecasts show a warming trend for the next week, but “stay tuned.”
You have been “fantastic” in November, serving 3 activations at The Portico and 2 activations at the Harnish Center! Another five shelters opened their doors to our unhoused neighbors in Hillsborough County.
The “opportunity” is to assist in the Point-In-Time (PIT) count on Thursday, February 26, 2026. This is a survey that the government uses to get data on the population who are experiencing inadequate housing. The work is divided into two shifts:
- Morning 7 am – 12noon
- Afternoon 3 pm – 8 pm
You do everything in small groups paired with experienced counters. Some companies will give you time off for this service opportunity.
CLICK HERE: Sign Up For The PIT Count Today!
Thanks in advance for supporting this important event for our community!
*****************************************************************************************
Email Dale Saville with questions.
Read the Cold Weather Shelter Guest Rules here.
Location of the Cold Weather Shelter:
- Hyde Park United Methodist, 500 W. Platt Street, Tampa 33606
- The Portico, 1001 N. Florida Avenue Tampa 33602
Email Don Aiken, church liaison, for more information or to volunteer.