Pinellas Hope Encampment Weathers Chill

Posted Jan 3, 2008 by Carlos Moncada

Updated Jan 3, 2008 at 09:32 AM

Matthew Breier used an outdoor heater to warm up early Thursday morning at the Pinellas Hope homeless shelter.
Tribune photo by CLIFF McBRIDE

At the Pinellas Hope homeless encampment, which opened last month in central Pinellas County, the 230 or so homeless residents were given mattresses, extra clothing and “as many blankets as they need,” said Gregg Cosgrove, night manager.

“I have spoken to a few of them. They said they were warm enough in their blankets,” Cosgrove said. “We had coffee and hot chocolate for them all night.”

Shortly after 6 a.m., several of the homeless gathered inside a large tent to watch the news and warm up with a cup of coffee.

“It got cold, definitely,” said Matthew Breier. “But pretty much all the needs are met here. It could be worse.