In 1986, after several men froze to death in Tallahassee's streets that winter, First Presbyterian Church briefly opened a make shift shelter in its basement. Cots were shuffled into the church's nursery at night, where volunteers helped make room for a few dozen men seeking refuge from the elements. The group ceased provisions of the service after a warming trend, but the community began to realize that this effort had just scratched the surface of a growing problem.

By the next winter, the group, which became known as the Tallahassee Cold Nights Shelter, had hired staff to oversee the growing operation. It quickly became obvious the problem was too big for the church's nursery to accommodate. Turning to local government for assistance and ultimately becoming an independent non-profit corporation, the Cold Nights Shelter established itself as an annual fixture in the community during the winter months. Although not much more than shelter for men was provided, many lives were saved.

By the spring of 1991, the agency had moved out of its third location in as many years as the city relocated the shelter from site to site. But the ever-increasing visibility of homeless people in the community fueled the agency's conviction that shelter and support services were needed year-round, not just in the winter.

Thus, during the writing of the City's Comprehensive Homeless Service Plan, it became clear that such a year-round facility could become a reality. Based on a site search of properties that appeared reasonable at the time, the agency chose to rent the storefronts it occupies now on West Tennessee Street. On November 24, 1991, the agency opened its doors to guests and has been open every night since, serving as many people in August as in February. It is also important to note that quarters for women and children were made available in ample supply for the first time, serving as many as 20 in one night.

The continuity of a full-time operation provided the momentum for networking in the community as well. A full array of basic and support services blossomed, but could not be fully developed because of space constraints and dilapidated conditions. Nonetheless, for the sake of its guests, the shelter approached the City and County requesting funds to purchase and renovate the Tennessee Street site. The Cold Nights Shelter was successful with this request.

In 1993, The Shelter (with the name changed to reflect its year-round status) had completed the purchase of its permanent facility as well as a $154,000 renovations project. The improved structure included an additional 1,100 square foot dining and day room, all new wiring, air conditioning and heating components, space for four new offices and a classroom, separate quarters for families and a food preparation area. The demeanor of the entire building had been completely transformed. Homeless people now had a permanent resource in the community. The Shelter agency could finally concentrate on the much needed tasks of broadening their range of available services and educating the community about the complex issue of homelessness.

In 1994, The Shelter succeeded in broadening their services and were then able to provide guests with lodging and meals, but also showers, laundry services, information and referral services, case management, GED/literacy/life skills classes, legal services, health testing, mental health outreach and treatment, and reading enrichment skills.

By 1995, it became very clear that the population served by The Shelter was growing, through continued relations with other agencies (including local and non-local police departments and hospitals), homeless people all around the Big Bend area were being referred to receive services provided by The Shelter.

The Shelter started renovating its kitchen facilities to better accommodate those in the community who so willingly gave their time and support to prepare meals for The Shelter's guests. This would relieve some of the burden put on meal providers to have facilities available for their pre-cooked meals, which they could immediately serve to Shelter guests.

The year 1996 saw more changes and improvements in The Shelter's services. We purchased the building next door at 468-470 West Tennessee Street, to be used for a residential program for the growing population of women and children. The purchase was made by Federal Community Development Block Grant funds that were being distributed by the City of Tallahassee.

That same year, we developed a working relationship with The Center for Independent Living of North Florida. They had the funds to provide on-site services for our homeless guests. Four evenings each week, C.I.L. employees are at The Shelter to provide professional services that include dispensing of prescribed medications, health education workshops, counseling on living independently, and referrals to obtain permanent housing situations.

Additionally in 1996, The Shelter initiated an emergency service program to provide special needs to appropriate clients, such as bus transportation to relocate to another city, purchase of prescription medications, eyeglasses, etc.

In 2001, we changed the client entrance to a rear entrance on Virginia Street. This is to get our people off of the sometimes dangerous area of West Tennessee Street and to reduce complaints from local businesses or others who may object to the crowd of indigent people.

In 2002, The Shelter continued its mission to be the only facility in the Big Bend region to provide lodging, meals, showers, laundry, crisis intervention, and other support services free of charge to all segments of the homeless population. Also, The Shelter served a record 2,489 individual guests in 2002, providing an incredible 52,422 nights of lodging.

Exciting new developments include an award of a federally funded Emergency and Transitional Services Shelter Grant, from the Florida Department of Children and Families, Office of Homeless Affairs. The Shelter's proposal was the top-ranked project in the state of Florida.

"This is a significant accomplishment for The Shelter. It reaffirms the importance of what we do in the Tallahassee community. The grant will enable us to significantly expand our emergency services, especially those for women and families" said Shelter Director, Mel Eby.

The funds will be used for new construction. Specifically, the grant money will pay for expansion of the Women's Center, adding more than 1000 square feet to the facility, and an additional 20 beds. Construction is currently underway during 2003.