REQUEST COLD WEATHER HELP

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Cold weather help is available during a Cold Weather Advisory to Hardee County residents, elderly, families with small children, residents vulnerable to cold weather exposure due to Hurricane Ian/Nicole damage, or chronically homeless persons facing the challenges of the bitter cold.

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The Hardee Help Center provides:
- Blankets and space heaters (supplies limited) are available when cold weather is forecasted
- Temporary lodging may be available when cold weather reaches below 40 degrees, and a Cold Weather Shelter has not been open to the general public. 

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Call to ask about extended hours that may be activated during cold weather forecasts.

 

Blankets and Space Heaters:  

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• Who could be eligible for blankets and space heaters:

      - Low-income households
      - Elderly, and family with small children
      - Those living in housing without access to heat (i.e., central heat, space heaters, blankets, etc.)

 

• What information will be needed for space heaters and blankets (If some or all the information below is not available, please call to speak with a Staff person.):

      - Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, tax bill)

      - Proof of household income (check stubs, income tax return)

      - Proof of age (ID, birth certificate)

      - Proof children are in the home (social security cards, tax returns, birth certificates)

      - Hardee Help Center Cold weather Application: Applications are available in the office or using the link "Cold Weather App" 

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• How a person can apply on their own:

      - Apply for blankets or space heaters during office hours, Monday - Friday, 8:30AM - 3:00pm at 713 East Bay Street, Wauchula.

      - Call 863-773-0034 for more information during those times.
      - Call to ask about extended hours that may be activated during cold weather forecasts.

      

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Temporary Lodging:

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• Who could be eligible for temporary lodging and blankets:

      - Chronically homeless persons​
 

• What information will be needed for temporary lodging: 

      - Verification of Homelessness (Form available at Hardee Help Center)

      - Hardee Help Center Homeless Application: Applications are available in the office or using the link "Homeless Application"

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• How a person can apply on their own:

      - Apply for temporary lodging, blankets during office hours, Monday - Friday, 8:30AM - 3:00pm at 713 East Bay Street, Wauchula.

      - Call 863-773-0034 for more information during those times.
      - Call to ask about extended hours that may be activated during cold weather forecasts.

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How a CONCERNED CITIZEN can notify HHC of their concern for an individual:

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- For Blankets & Space Heaters - Contact the HHC during normal business hours to provide the person's name, phone number or home address, or complete the form using the link 'Request Cold Weather Help.'

 

- For Temporary Lodging - Have the homeless individual contact the HHC during business hours to apply for assistance. Provide any information you may have on the individual as this may be a familiar person to the Hardee Help Center.

 

How a CONCERNED CITIZEN can report their concern for an individual after hours or on weekends:

- Call the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 863-773-4144.

Provide any information you may have on the individual as this may be a familiar person to the HHC. It is important for concerned citizens to first know if a person being referred has an interest in applying for help.

There should be no assumption of what needs a person would like help with, without first asking.

 

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