The intent of a Special Needs Shelter is to provide, to the extent practicable, under emergency conditions, an environment in which the current health of evacuees can be sustained.

The Special Needs Shelter is located at the Havert L. Fenn Center:  2000 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34982.

If another Special Needs Shelter is needed, it will be located at the Port St. Lucie Community Center: 2195 SE Airoso Boulevard, Port. St. Lucie, FL 34984.

Click here to pre-register.

Individuals who have a health condition that does not meet the requirement for hospital admittance but warrants some medical assistance and/or care are qualified as special needs.

Eligible health conditions can be defined as:

• Dependent upon health professional to administer injectable medication.
• Require daily or more frequent dressing changes by a professional.
• Assistance by a professional with ostomy management, continuous peritoneal dialysis, or indwelling catheters of any kind.
• Requires daily assessment of unstable medical condition by professional nursing personnel, i.e., diabetes, cardiac, cystic fibrosis.
• Terminally ill patients who needs professional assistance for administering heavy doses of medication.
• Dependent on oxygen therapy.
• Bedridden and require custodial care upon advise of a physician.
• Dependent upon electrically energized equipment within his or her residence. (This excludes electric wheel chair).
• Need of Cognitive care (Dementia, Alzheimer’s, etc.).
• Daily activities that are so restricted by immobility that their basic medical needs must be met by others.

The Special Needs shelter provides basic services such as electricity, food, and medical supervision. 

Each Special Needs client MUST be accompanied by a caregiver.

All clients will be given a cot and a 6 x 10 space.

All caregivers will receive a metal chair; caregivers may bring their own cot or equivalent.

** Due to limited space within the shelter, only ONE caregiver may accompany the Special Needs client **

Transportation will be provided to Special Needs clients, if necessary. The transportation arrangements will be assessed through an automated system via email or telephone. 

Before a storm event, the registration website will be shutdown 2-3 days before tropical storm force winds are expected to make landfall; this ensures all individuals are accounted for regarding transportation needs. If you need transportation after the website portal is shut down, please contact MV Transportation at 772-462-1778 and press 1 for reservations. 

The Public Safety Department informs the public when a situation is life threatening and when residents must leave their homes for safety.  Examples of life threatening situations are hurricanes, chemical spills, or other accidents that produce harmful conditions. 

Report to the Special Needs shelter only when alerted by a Public Safety message, the transportation company, or the local media. Please do not report to the shelter before it has opened. 

• Pillows, blankets, linens for both the client and the caregiver.
• 3 day supply of non-perishable food for individual preference or dietary needs. 
• 1 gallon of water per person per day.
• Medications in prescription bottles, medical supplies, medical equipment i.e. oxygen concentrators, portable oxygen bottles.
• Personal items: important papers, glasses, hygiene articles, clothing, flashlight, quiet games i.e. cards, books.
• Service animals ONLY.

Individuals with health conditions, like other residents, have several choices regarding where to go during an evacuation order. Including:

1. Leaving the area
2. Staying with a family member or a friend in a safe location

It is highly encouraged residents make arrangements with family and friends first; the Special Needs shelter should be used as a last resort for shelter during an emergency.