TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – With freezing temperatures forecast for much of the week, the Leon County Sheriff\u2019s Office is stepping in to make sure no one goes without basic necessities.<\/p>\n
The LCSO Homeless Outreach Street Team was at the Kearney Center on Monday, handing out cold-weather essentials to those in need.<\/p>\n
The team says their goal this week is to reach as many people as possible, encouraging them to use emergency cold-weather shelters while also providing supplies.<\/p>\n
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Deputy Paul Pacchioli with the Leon County Sheriff\u2019s Office Homeless Outreach Street Team said they distributed blankets, beanies, socks, and hygiene items. Deputies say many of the people they\u2019re reaching don\u2019t have these essentials, and in cold weather, that lack of supplies can quickly become a safety concern.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are assisting the Big Bend Continuum of Care with their Point in Time Count, so while we\u2019re doing that, we\u2019ll also be encouraging people to go to cold night shelters,\u201d Pacchioli said. \u201cWe may actually be interacting with more people this week than we normally would in a given week.\u201d<\/p>\n
The director of the Kearney Center says they typically see an increase in people seeking shelter when temperatures drop.<\/p>\n
Right now, about 150 people are staying at the center, but that number could grow by another 100 this week.<\/p>\n
The Kearney Center says it can take anyone 18 and older who needs shelter during the cold weather.<\/p>\n
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