Special Needs Shelters

Overview

A special needs shelter is a temporary emergency facility capable of providing care to residents whose medical condition may require the use of electrical equipment, oxygen, dialysis, or individuals with physical, cognitive, or medical conditions that may require assistance from medical professionals. Shelters are not staffed to provide bedside care. Although special needs shelters provide more care than a general shelter, they do not provide the level of care found in a medical facility. For Hillsborough County, eligibility criteria may include, but is not limited to:

• A person with a stable medical condition that requires periodic observation, assessment, and maintenance
• A person requiring periodic wound care assistance (i.e. dressing changes)
• A person requiring assistance with oral, subcutaneous or intramuscular injectable, or topical medication
• A person medically dependent on uninterrupted electricity for therapies including but not limited to oxygen, nebulizer, and feeding tubes
• A person with mental or cognitive limitations requiring assistance A person requiring dialysis

Things to Consider

1. All Hillsborough County residents are expected to make their own evacuation plans. It is important that everyone be responsible for their own safety and make a plan that includes where to go, who to contact, what to bring, and how to get there. However, the County realizes that some individuals may need assistance and have emergency shelters available for residents and visitors available as a LAST RESORT.
   
   
2. If you receive hospice care or reside in an assisted living facility, do not register. Please contact your assisted living facility or hospice agency for emergency preparedness planning. They will arrange your sheltering and/or transportation needs.
   
   
3. Please review our FAQ document for more information about Hillsborough County’s Special Needs Shelter Program.
   
   

How To Register

To register for the Hillsborough County Special Needs Shelter Program, you must go online to the State-wide Registry, at snr.flhealthresponse.com and create an account. You will need to “Add a Registrant” and fill out the information as thoroughly as possible so we may evaluate your form accurately for eligibility. Once you submit your information and we review your form, you will receive a letter indicating your status along with more information about the program.

A caregiver, family member, or friend can register for you on your behalf.

You may also contact your home health provider for assistance with registration.

Get detailed registration instructions in English and Spanish here

Please contact the Hillsborough County Health Department at (813) 307-8063 if you have any questions.”