West Palm Beach Opens Warming Centers as Cold Weather Hits

County opens temporary daytime shelters for the first time in two decades as temperatures dip into the 40s.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:23am

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As temperatures dropped into the 40s in Palm Beach County on January 29, 2026, the county opened two temporary warming centers in West Palm Beach to provide shelter for unsheltered residents during the daytime hours. This is the first time in about two decades that the county has opened warming centers, which differ from cold-weather shelters that typically operate overnight.

Why it matters

The opening of the warming centers highlights the county's efforts to protect its vulnerable unsheltered population during periods of unusually cold weather, which can pose serious health risks. This move comes after a county commissioner urged leadership to respond quickly to ensure the safety of those without stable housing.

The details

The county opened one warming center at the Salvation Army Center of Hope along North Military Trail from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on January 29, and another at The Lord's Place along North Australian Avenue from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. the same day. The Lord's Place, the county's largest homeless outreach service, is also accepting blanket and warm clothing donations to distribute to over 150 unhoused people and families.

  • On January 29, 2026, Palm Beach County opened two temporary warming centers in West Palm Beach.
  • The county has not opened warming centers in about two decades.

The players

Palm Beach County

The local government that oversees Palm Beach County, Florida and made the decision to open the temporary warming centers.

The Lord's Place

The county's largest homeless outreach service, which is accepting donations of blankets and warm clothing to distribute to over 150 unhoused people and families.

Joel Flores

A Palm Beach County Commissioner who urged the county's leadership to respond quickly and transparently to ensure the safety of vulnerable residents during the cold weather.

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What they’re saying

“Ensuring the safety of our most vulnerable residents is a shared responsibility, and timely action matters. I am urging County leadership to respond quickly and transparently so we can be confident that no one is being overlooked during this period of sustained cold weather.”

— Joel Flores, Palm Beach County Commissioner (Prepared statement)

What’s next

Palm Beach County is likely to open cold-weather shelters overnight on January 31 if temperatures are expected to fall at or below 40 degrees, or if the wind chill is at or below 35 degrees for four hours or more.

The takeaway

The opening of temporary warming centers in West Palm Beach highlights the county's efforts to protect its vulnerable unsheltered population during periods of unusually cold weather, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents, even those without stable housing.