Cold weather shelter opening in Martin County
Homelessness is a significant social issue in the United States that affects people of all ages, but it disproportionately affects certain groups, including veterans, people with mental or physical disabilities, and individuals experiencing poverty or domestic violence.
There are various factors that contribute to homelessness, including a lack of affordable housing, low wages, and a lack of access to healthcare and social services. In recent years, the high cost of living in many cities, including rising rent and property prices, has made it difficult for low-income individuals and families to afford stable housing. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on homelessness, as many people have lost their jobs or had their hours reduced, leading to an increase in homelessness.
While many local governments are working to develop long-term solutions to the problem of homelessness in their communities, they must also respond to more immediate needs that arise during severe weather conditions, particularly during the winter months when temperatures fall to freezing or below. Some communities have set up winter weather shelter programs to help homeless people find temporary housing when bad weather poses a serious risk to their lives or health.
People who are homeless in Martin County will be able to go to a cold weather shelter starting this weekend, just in time when a dangerous and disruptive winter storm is pushing through the country, with temperatures expected to go as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
The cold weather shelter would open on Friday and remain open throughout the weekend, the Martin County Board of County Commissioners said on Wednesday. To be eligible to use the cold weather shelter beds, you must pre-register in person by Thursday noon at the following locations:
-House of Hope, 2484 Southeast Bonita Street in Stuart
-LAHIA, 1760 Southeast Salerno Road in Stuart
-Salvation Army, 821 Southeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Stuart
After the people have signed up, they will be given information about the location of the shelter.
