Bay County Warming Shelter

Several organizations -- on behalf of and in conjunction with -- Bay County Emergency Services will open a warming shelter on Sunday, Jan. 19 in anticipation of freezing temperatures.

The shelter will be located at A.D. Harris Learning Village, 819 E. 11th Street, Panama City and will open Sunday, Jan. 19 and each evening through the week as necessary.

Hours of Operation: 6 p.m. – up to 11 a.m.

*Should freezing temperatures extend beyond these hours of operation, accommodations will be made.

Transportation to the shelter will be available on Sunday via BayWay Transit by calling (850) 867-8698 between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Routes 2 and 4 will be available for use beginning Monday, Jan. 20. Transportation to the shelter is provided at no cost; all other rides are offered at normal fares. For more information on BayWay transportation, call (850) 215-7226 or (850) 215-0607.

Anyone seeking refuge from the cold can show up after 6 p.m. each evening and must register upon arrival. The shelter is intended for people who are homeless or who cannot maintain heat in their homes, who can care for themselves, and who are not at risk to themselves or others. No person who is disoriented, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or unable to walk due to drug or alcohol abuse will be admitted. Alcohol, drugs, drug paraphernalia, guns or weapons are not permitted. The shelter will NOT accommodate animals; however, anyone arriving with a pet will be connected with Bay County Animal Control at check-in for arrangements.

Volunteers are needed. Anyone interested can sign up using the link or QR code provided below:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F4DACA82FABF94-54470921-warming

Physical donations are NOT requested at this time. Text the word DONATE to (850) 783-4311 or visit the Rebuild Bay County website at rebuildbaycounty.org to make a monetary donation.

For questions regarding the warming shelter, call 2-1-1. Residents may also call (850) 481-1357 during normal business hours.