Southwest Florida braces for cold; Fort Myers shelters ready to help

A cold front has swept through Southwest Florida, bringing unusually chilly temperatures to the region. With the cold snap expected to last through New Year's Eve, county officials and local partners have activated a cold-weather outreach plan to help protect vulnerable residents.

The Salvation Army in Fort Myers has opened its doors to those seeking refuge from the cold. As temperatures drop to near or below 40 degrees, the shelter is providing a warm place to stay for those without stable housing.

"We want to open our doors for anyone that is in need," said Terryn Baah-Acheamfour, Salvation Army Director of Program Services.

Officials noted that while some people have already utilized the shelter, they typically see an influx later in the night. The emergency shelter space will remain open around the clock, operating on a first-come, first-served basis.

Kathy Andersen, a board member of the Cape Coral Bootstrap Homeless Ministry, shared their proactive approach to the cold weather.

"We knew this was going to happen, so last Saturday, we tried to give out as many... T-shirts," said Andersen. "Everything we have is donated... we make sure that it gets out to them."

Baah-Acheamfour expressed the appreciation shown by those who utilize the Salvation Army's services.

"So for those that didn't really know, maybe perhaps what the Salvation Army offered, it was a way for them to come in there like, thank you," said Baah-Acheamfour. "We didn't know we were able to do this. We didn't know all of this was available to us. So it's always a lot of appreciation and gratitude."

The Salvation Army's emergency shelter will continue to provide a warm haven through the cold nights ahead in Fort Myers.