Some struggle to stay warm during cold snap

PINELLAS PARK - Some people are being brought to local shelters by bus, others forced to wait in line, but all of these folks are looking for the same thing - a warm place to lay their head during this chilly weather.

Syd Brandy has been living on the streets for years.

"I can't complain because I know it's worse," he said.

Some, like Syd, are trying not to fuss, but nonetheless are looking for warmth. These past few nights, those living on the streets have been piling into local cold weather shelters looking to avoid the cold, at least for a few hours.

"The process is, they come in at 6 o'clock. We try to give them a meal, warm place to stay," said Michael Amidei, Pinellas County's cold weather shelter coordinator.

However, many Pinellas County shelters say the chilly temps are taking a toll on them as well. Most shelters have now been open for three straight nights and are now running drastically low on food, clothing and bedding supplies.

"It's very hard when we link nights together. Anything beyond three is a real challenge," Amidei added.

Organizers say it's not necessarily that donations are down or people are donating less, it's that the need is significantly greater.

Many shelters are near or at capacity, seeing more and more people each night.

"This is what we're doing. It's the business community, the churches, the families to make a difference in the poor and less fortunate," Pastor Brian Pierce with the Taking it to the Streets Ministry said.

Word is spreading, and some local families are now starting to drop off additional supplies.

"We can never tell what the weather will do. So we are hopeful that we can stay on top of the need with the donations from the community," Amidei said.

Those looking for help are appreciative.

Syd says, "God bless them. What more can you say...God bless them," Brandy said.

Many people are just hoping for more sunshine and some warmer weather.

Here is a list of Pinellas County shelters accepting donations:

St. Timothy's Lutheran Church
801 E. Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs
(727) 937-3503

St. Cecelia Catholic Church
820 Jasmine Way, Clearwater
(727) 447-3494

Northside Baptist Church
6000 38th Ave. N., St. Petersburg
(727) 381-3642

We Help
863 3rd Ave. N., St Petersburg
(727) 823-3471