A cold weather shelter in downtown Tampa opened its doors Thursday evening, providing a warm place to stay for up to 60 people experiencing homelessness on Thanksgiving night.

The Portico, located in downtown Tampa, began welcoming guests at 6 p.m. for what organizers say is their first year operating the cold-weather shelter independently of Hyde Park United Methodist Church.

"It means a lot to me to be a part of this community to help these people who are less fortunate than we are," said Doug Herbert, cold weather shelter leader. "Maybe we can give them a little bit of joy, sharing what we all have with others."

The shelter serves dinner to guests in the evening and provides lunch to-go for those who leave around 7 a.m. the next morning.

Herbert said the downtown location has proven

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