02/06/2026
"From the Cold" by Barb Baptista
Last night, like many others for the last few weeks,
the cold knocked hard on the city of Fernandina Beach -
on bones, on breath, on memory.
And you came inside.
You carried more than a blanket could hold:
stories folded into pockets,
names of places that once felt like home,
strength learned the hard way,
hope kept quiet so it wouldn't break.
For these hours,
walls stood in for shelter,
light stood in for safety,
and warmth - simple, human warmth -
said what words sometimes fail to say:
You matter.
You belong.
You are seen.
These weeks have not erased your struggles,
but they have whispered a truth worth repeating:
even in the hardest seasons,
kindness still shows up,
doors still open,
and people still care.
Rest tonight,
not just your body,
but your spirit -
for surviving the cold is no small thing,
and neither is being here,
standing,
human,
worthy of warmth.
Thank you, Barb, for your heart of service and beautiful poignant words of truth. Thank you to COFB and all the volunteers who have worked tirelessly to staff our Cold Night Shelter, night after night. You are indeed the heart and strength of this community...our heroes, angels and saints. * Diana and Lynn in bottom picture are two of our angels, who recently signed up to help. If you have a picture or a volunteer experience to share, please post in comments so others will be inspired.
We still have nights to go, and shifts are open - come join us. you are needed:
https://volunteersignup.org/XQFDH
For info: [email protected]
