Cold Night Shelter opens in Fort Walton Beach as temperatures drop across South Okaloosa County
Fort Walton Beach, Florida – As temperatures dip across South Okaloosa County, a local shelter is once again preparing to open its doors, offering a warm refuge for those who need it most during the cold nights ahead.
One Hopeful Place in Fort Walton Beach will operate as the designated Cold Night Shelter this week.
The shelter opened on Monday, March 16 and will open on Tuesday, 17, 2026, providing temporary overnight shelter for adults facing the chill. The facility, located at 1564 N. Beal Extension, will open on evening at 4 p.m., welcoming individuals seeking a safe place to stay while colder conditions persist.
Read also: Free waterfront concerts return to downtown Fort Walton Beach on Friday evenings
Transportation will be available to help participants reach the shelter. Buses will depart from 205 Shell Avenue beginning at 3:15 p.m. On Monday, two trips were scheduled to accommodate those needing a ride, while a single trip will run Tuesday afternoon.
The service aims to ensure that individuals without reliable transportation can still access the shelter during the cold-weather activation.
Staff will also be on hand at the pickup location to assist guests with storing certain belongings before boarding. Participants may secure bicycles and other larger items at the site, though wagons, bicycles, and suitcases will not be permitted on the bus itself. Guests are encouraged to bring only what they need for the two-night stay, typically limited to backpacks and essential personal items.
Once the temporary shelter period concludes, transportation will again be provided. Guests will be returned to the Shell Avenue location on Wednesday, March 18, at 10:00 a.m., at which time they will be able to collect any belongings that were stored during the shelter stay.
Read also: Okaloosa County seniors mark milestone moment with symbolic career signing ceremony in April
One Hopeful Place continues to serve as an important resource for adults experiencing homelessness in the community. However, shelter services are available only to individuals who are 18 years of age or older.
For those seeking assistance or additional details about the Cold Night Shelter, One Hopeful Place can be reached directly at 850-586-7879.
