ORLANDO, Fla. — For hundreds of people without anywhere to call home, braving the elements during cold weather is challenging.

What You Need To Know

  • President and Executive Director of Matthew’s Hope Shelley Bradford said the group reached capacity Tuesday night with 70 people seeking shelter from the cold temperatures

  • They had to accommodate people anywhere they could in the building – in the pantry, underneath tables, making the most out of every space

  • Bradford says they turned to social media to ask for the community’s help for supplies and to find more spaces available for people needing shelter

“That’s one of the greatest challenges of being homeless is the elements around you. Rain, cold, extreme heat, you know, so you always are checking your weather. I noticed that there was quite a few hours last night that fell between 38 and 37 degrees,” Chantel Crowl said.

Crowl has been homeless for a few months in downtown Orlando. 

“I spend most of my time in downtown Orlando. It just makes me feel a little bit safer to be around the resources down there. It broke my heart because last night, none of the downtown cold shelters were opening,” Crowl said.

She said she’d never been to Winter Garden before, but Matthew’s Hope Ministries was her only shelter option to spend a cold night on Tuesday. Getting there was a challenge because of the distance from downtown Orlando. Luckily, Crowl says about three days ago, she had been given a seven-day bus pass by a good samaritan going around Lake Eola.

“I was extremely nervous about finding my way here. But it was so full in this room that you could hardly walk,” Crowl said.

President and Executive Director of Matthew’s Hope Shelley Bradford said they reached capacity Tuesday night.

“Capacity in our minds was going to be at the most 50. We ended up with 70,” she said.

They had to accommodate people anywhere they could in the building – in the pantry, underneath tables, making the most out of every space. But they did not turn anyone away.

“Just like I told my staff yesterday, are you going to be the one that’s going to turn somebody away? And I’m not going to be the one standing at the door and turning somebody away,” Bradford said.

Bradford says they turned to social media to ask for the community’s help for supplies and to find more spaces available for people needing shelter.

The First Baptist Church of Orlando saw the post and they will be helping with donations. 

“I reached out to Matthew’s Hope and asked them what we can do," said Pastor Doug Pierce. "They came back and said they need blankets, they need hot meals, cots, socks and underwear, anything like that. And so, we’re in the process right now, again, just found out about it. So, we’re in the process of putting the word out to our teams.”

West Orange Dream Center, located five minutes from the shelter, also responded to the call for help. On Wednesday night, it sheltered over a dozen women and children to lend a helping hand. 

“It’s just a safer environment, and I think the women will feel more secure,” Bradford explained, adding that she’s never seen this many children accompany their mothers at the shelter before.

They were also shuttled to the dream center free of charge and will get picked up Thursday morning.

Rainey McFadden, executive eirector of the dream center, said he always wanted to team up with Matthew's Hope, but didn't know how or when to do so.

But when the call came in, McFadden said he didn't hesitate for a second. 

“We’re willing to be open as much as they need the support. We do still run our programs, so tomorrow we still have some programs in the morning and evening time, but at nighttime we’re closed. So we’re looking to be here if it’s 2 days and if need be, 3 or 4,” he said.

While it's the first time the dream center has served as a shelter, McFadden said they could probably fit between 40 and 50 people there.

Crowl is thankful for the shelter and plans to come back to Matthew’s Hope. She is also asking anyone in the community to help in any way they can.

“Everyone and anyone that can absolutely help us just step forward and help. Just imagine, close your eyes for just one second and put yourself in our shoes,” Crowl said.

Bradford said Matthew's Hope will remain open until Sunday morning until the end of the cold spell.

Spectrum News reached out to the city of Orlando asking if they will be opening up any additional shelters. 

A spokesperson with the city said the homeless outreach team is working with the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, the Salvation Army, Orlando Union Rescue Mission and Orange County on shelter availability.