Broward County Declares Cold Weather Emergency

Broward County declared a cold weather emergency that began Monday at 6:30 p.m. and is expected to last through Tuesday at 8 a.m.

As South Florida turned cold Monday night, with temperatures expected to drop into the 40s, The Salvation Army of Broward County opened its doors to homeless people who needed a place to stay.

Over 100 people were seeking shelter at the Salvation Army at 1445 West Broward Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale before 5 p.m.

Richard Hosch said he was grateful to have a place to escape the elements, and was most looking forward to the food that will be served.

“No one will be turned away,” said Captain Luis Viera, the Salvation Army’s area commander, in a news release. The organization was also providing hot beverages.

The cold night brought a warm-hearted gesture from Chloe Golan, 14. The founder of the charity Chloe’s Coats helped to collect some 300 coats and dozens of pairs of shoes, which she delivered to the Salvation Army.

Golan, a freshman at Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High, spoke about seeing the smiles of those who received the coats and shoes.

“And once I brought coats to these people, and right away they put them on and they were so warm,” she said.

Golan said she was inspired to start her charity three years ago when, on a cold night, she noticed a homeless woman wearing a blanket and not a coat over her body.

Beyond the Salvation Army, cold night shelters were available Monday at the Central Homeless Assistance Center at 920 Northwest 7th Ave. in Fort Lauderdale, the Broward Outreach Center at 2056 Scott St. in Hollywood, and the North Homeless Assistance Center at 1700 Blount Road in Pompano Beach, the county said.

Transportation was provided to the shelters from three sites Monday: Pompano Beach City Hall at 100 W. Atlantic Blvd., The Salvation Army and the Broward Outreach Center. The county said those seeking shelter should report to those locations no longer than 6:30 p.m.

The Salvation Army's Viera also issued an appeal to the public for financial donations. They can mailed to The Salvation Army of Broward County, P.O. Box 230, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302. For more information, call 954-712-2431.

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