Temperature Thresholds for COJ Warming Centers
 
The threshold for implementation of COJ Warming Centers will be met under the following conditions, as recommended by the National Weather Service (NWS) Jacksonville:
 

• When temperatures are expected to reach 27°F or below for two hours or more in the official NWS Jacksonville forecasts within the next 12 hours and/or the NWS issues any of the following products:
  • Hard Freeze Watch or Warning: Issued when temperatures are forecast to be 27 ℉ or below for at least two hours.
  • Cold Weather Advisory: Issued when temperatures or wind chills forecast to be at or below 25°F.
  • Extreme Cold Watch or Warning: Issued when temperatures or wind chills forecast to be at or below 15°F.

 
A countywide Cold Weather Emergency has not been issued in November or as of December 4, 2024, so the COJ Warming Centers have not yet opened.
 
COJ Warming Center Locations
 
Should the above conditions be met during the daytime from Monday to Saturday, Warming Centers will be activated at the following COJ facilities during their normal business hours:
 

• All COJ Public Libraries
• COJ Community Centers

 
On Sundays and holidays during the daytime:
 

• Main Library (303 N. Laura St.)
• Legends Center (5130 Soutel Dr.)
• Hours of Operation: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

 
For overnight warming center needs from Monday to Sunday or on holidays:
 

• Legends Center (5130 Soutel Dr.)
• Hours of operation determined based on NWS Jacksonville forecast.

 
Transportation & Personal Needs
 
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) will provide free transportation to COJ Warming Centers on days determined to be Cold Weather Emergencies. Since the COJ Warming Centers are not a shelter resource, residents utilizing them should bring the following items:
 

• Air mattress, blankets, pillows, or other bedding
• Snacks and medication
• Games, toys, and books
• Hygiene, and comfort items

 
Shelter Partners
 
The City of Jacksonville is in constant communication with our non-profit partners at area shelters that are providing weather shelter services to the homeless population. Currently, there are no unmet needs, and no one has been turned away during the cold weather over the past week.
 

• City Rescue Mission (234 W. State St., 32202) – They have increased overnight capacity and extended operating hours until temperatures reach 40 degrees.
• Sulzbacher (611 East Adams St., 32202 – Men, 5455 Springfield Blvd., 32208 – Women and Children) – They have increased overnight capacity and extended operating hours until temperatures reach 40 degrees.
• Trinity Rescue Mission (622 W. Union St., 32202) – They will add additional bed capacity as needed.
• Mission House (800 Shetter Ave, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250) – If temperatures fall below 39°F, they will host a shelter at one of their partnering churches in the beaches area.

 
City Outreach to the Homeless Community
 
The newly established JFRD PATH team (Providing Assistance to the Homeless) is actively working to assess the needs of the homeless community and will also provide support when possible.
 
The Extreme Cold Task Force will continue to monitor weather conditions closely and collaborate with our homeless shelter partners. Community organizations, faith-based partners, and safety net clinics will ensure those in need of respite have access to available resources.