The Sheltering Tree will be open Tuesday and Thursday nights this week but will be closed Wednesday night. Monday night’s opening was already scheduled. The shelter operates at the Rock Transformation Center and serves not only those experiencing homelessness but anyone who is without heat.
The shelter has been averaging 28 guests per night, according to The Sheltering Tree.
The National Weather Service is predicting temperatures will fall below 40 degrees during the overnight hours Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, which is the criteria for opening the cold-weather shelter.
Flagler County will provide free bus transportation to the shelter. The single-bus schedule begins at 4 p.m. at McDonald’s at Old Kings Road South and State Road 100, picking up passengers at the dirt road on the east side. The bus then stops at the Circle K at Kingswood and Old Kings Road at 4:40 p.m., followed by the Dollar Tree parking lot behind Carrabba’s at 4:50 p.m. The next stop is the Palm Coast Main Branch Library at the northwest corner of Palm Coast Parkway and Belle Terre Parkway at 4:55 p.m. The final stops are the Bunnell Free Clinic at 703 Moody Boulevard and Bridges United Methodist Church at 205 N. Pine Street in Bunnell, both at 5 p.m. due to their close proximity.
The Rock Transformation Center is located at 2200 N. State Street. The cold-weather shelter opens at 5 p.m. and closes at 8 a.m. the following day.
The Sheltering Tree operates under the umbrella of the Flagler County Family Assistance Center. It is a non-denominational civic organization created to provide cold weather sheltering during cold nights in Flagler County. Those with questions can call 386-437-3258.
Flagler County Fire Rescue is reminding residents to stay safe while keeping warm. The agency advises residents to never use an oven to heat their home. All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Fireplaces should be screened to contain sparks. Portable space heaters should be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn and should be turned off when leaving the room or going to bed.
