TAMPA, Fla. — Hundreds of people are taking advantage of the cold weather shelters Bay area counties opened up this week.

In Hillsborough County, Hyde Park United Methodist Church is one of four shelters open.

Shelters in Hillsborough County opened Monday and will remain open through Thursday.

Hillsborough County also offers a voucher program for motels during cold weather events. The shelters are only open for adults and motels are open for families with young kids.

Patrons have to pre-register for a motel voucher.

In Pinellas County, eight shelters opened this week.

Victoria Kelly with the Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas said a partnership with PSTA is helping get people to shelters that have no transportation options.

“PSTA is providing free transportation to and from shelters tonight and tomorrow morning,” Kelly said. “So if you need to get to a Pinellas cold night shelter, just have to hop on a bus.” 

Meanwhile in Citrus County, officials reported at least 50 people at its Nature Coast Church shelter. Officials also said they had an urgent need for blankets, cots and volunteers.