CITRUS COUNTY, Fla (WFLA) — The National Weather Service issued a freeze warning in Citrus County overnight Tuesday. When temperatures drop below 40 degrees, the nonprofit Basics United opens a cold weather shelter at the Nature Coast Church in Homosassa.

Kristy Jocelyn is the executive director of Basics United. She’s been helping the homeless population since 2007. She’s also been homeless before.

“I’ve fled domestic violence myself; I’ve been in hotels and sleeping in my vehicle, but I’ve never lost everything in a 5-minute span,” Jocelyn said. “The day after Christmas my entire life changed.”

She’s waiting on the final report from the fire department but said she thinks a hot ember from a doused fire in a burn pit may have been pushed under the deck of her Inverness home.

“Within 30 seconds they got out of the house and the whole back wall was on fire,” Jocelyn said.

There was no time to grab anything. Her kids, who were inside when the fire started, are all OK, but they lost three cats and a rabbit. It’s been heartbreaking, but Jocelyn said she knew she, and others in similar situations, would have a place to go.

“This can happen to anybody, and the shelter’s just not open for those who are experiencing homelessness,” Jocelyn said.

Volunteers dropped off blankets, clothes, sodas, and they prepared food for the clients already making their way to the shelter.

Basics United Cold Weather Shelter Coordinator Jennifer Ralph said after the fire at Jocelyn’s house, this year feels personal.

“She is currently, temporarily homeless, which made this 10 times bigger this year for us,” Ralph said. “It happens to a lot of people and there are so many circumstances that people don’t realize.”

People with all kinds of stories are just looking to get out of the cold. And after a devastating fire, Jocelyn said this is her therapy. News Channel 8 asked her what’s keeping her warm.

“Just that fact that I’m being here,” Jocelyn said.

The shelter is open from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Coordinators said if the weather drops back below 40, they could be reopening over the weekend. Check here for updates.