People with Special Needs

A special needs shelter is an emergency facility capable of providing special medical or nursing care that does not require an acute care hospital setting.

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 requiring assistance from medical professionals.

Although special needs shelters provide more care than general shelters, they do not provide the level of care found in a medical facility. Shelter staff is extremely limited, so a caregiver is required during a resident’s entire stay at the special needs shelter. 

There is limited hospital sheltering for people who are extremely high risk and cannot survive outside a hospital environment.

You may be responsible for fees associated with hospital sheltering.  As at any other shelter, you must bring your emergency supplies with you.

There are specific criteria and requirements to be eligible for the special needs shelter and persons desiring special needs sheltering must pre-register with Collier County Emergency Management.

Please contact the Emergency Management Human Services Program at 239-252-3608 for help with registration or with any questions. Additional information including registration forms can be found on the Collier County Emergency Management website, Special Needs Program.  

Registration Forms

Collier County Special Needs Registration (English)

Collier County Special Needs Program Information (English)

Collier County Special Needs Registration (Spanish)

Collier County Special Needs Registration Program Information (Spanish)