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Generations United Church to open cold-night shelter for families and elderly; council hears announcement
Summary
Generations United Church will open a cold-night shelter for families with children and elderly residents when temperatures fall below 40°F, and will partner with a Fort Walton Beach provider to transport adult singles; the council heard the announcement during public comment and staff asked to be kept informed for coordination.
During public comment Kelly Hernandez, who identified herself as executive director of the Homelessness and Housing Alliance for Okaloosa and Walton counties and an elder at Generations United Church, announced that the church will open as a cold-night shelter when temperatures fall below 40°F. The shelter will accept families with children and elderly residents; adult single guests will be transported to a partnering facility in Fort Walton Beach.
Hernandez asked the council to help publicize the service so residents are aware of the available shelter option and not forced to remain in cars or homes without utilities during cold nights. She also noted the church will expand outreach and asked for city support of those efforts.
Why it matters: This creates a new local shelter option for adverse-weather nights, with direct implications for emergency social services, outreach coordination and information-sharing between faith-based providers and city staff.
Follow up: Council members expressed interest and asked staff to follow up; the mayor requested Hernandez leave contact information and suggested staff discuss outreach and coordination after the meeting.
