JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 As temperatures continue to plummet, Jacksonville officials have extended operating hours at The Legends Center to provide overnight shelter for those seeking warmth, while local shelters prepare for increased demand.<\/p>\n
The Legends Center on Soutel Drive has already seen a significant response from the community, with up to 24 people seeking shelter on its busiest night, according to Andre Ayoub, Division Chief of Duval County Emergency Preparedness.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s 24 people that potentially didn\u2019t have to go to the emergency room. Twenty-four people\u2019s lives that we\u2019ve all saved,\u201d Ayoub said.<\/p>\n
Nicole, who has been experiencing homelessness for about six months, has found refuge at the center for the past three nights. <\/p>\n
\u201cI definitely feel safe,\u201d she said, noting the presence of security and Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) personnel on site.<\/p>\n
The city is taking additional steps to ensure no one is left in the cold:<\/p>\n
City officials are actively searching the streets, offering transportation via JTA buses to bring people to warming centers<\/p>\n
The downtown library is available as a contingency location if other facilities reach capacity<\/p>\n
The City Rescue Mission, Trinity Rescue Mission, and Sulzbacher Center have opened their doors to anyone lacking adequate heating<\/p>\n
\u201cIf there\u2019s anyone out there and you know that where you\u2019re currently living, that you don\u2019t have the appropriate heat in your home for you, for your children or whomever is with you, you are welcome to come to the City Rescue Mission,\u201d said Jamie Williams, Director of Social Services at CRM.<\/p>\n
Williams emphasized there are no concerns about overcrowding. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t want anyone to think that they can\u2019t come in, because we\u2019re going to find a way to accommodate them,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
For those planning to utilize The Legends Center, Ayoub advises bringing essential items: \u201cBring food, water, cellphone, a mattress, airbag, medicine. You\u2019ll have a safe, warm place to get out of this cold weather.\u201d<\/p>\n