A long line formed outside Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church in Clearwater even hours before the church's cold weather shelter opened.
The shelter had enough room for 75 people and it quickly filled up.
"It's actually a blessing because if it wasn't for them we would be freezing, starving and wouldn't have anything," said Michael Walborn who said he's been homeless on and off for 14 years.
The shelter utilizes volunteers, including Gwendolyn Kingrey and her husband, Larry.
She said they are homeless themselves but they enjoy volunteering to keep busy.
"We just love helping others. It's just one of our things, one of our prime passions. Our commitment and our love for the people," said Gwendolyn Kingrey.
Shelter organizers said it's their passion, too.
"We have a large homeless population in Pinellas County so we just give them a warm place for the night, a ministry so they know people are caring for them and hope for the future," said Sue Ellis.
Walborn said he doesn't know where he'd be without it.
"It's just difficult. You try to go over there with a blanket and try to hide somewhere where the wind's not blowing or you don't have rain or you don't have somebody you're afraid if going to wake you up or mess with you," said Walborn.
Volunteers from several homeless ministries were also on hand passing out coats, blankets and sweaters to people.