The Salvation Army of Broward County will open its doors this afternoon to homeless people who need a place to stay as temperatures drop into the 40s.

Food and hot beverages will be served at the shelter, 1445 W. Broward Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale, when it opens its doors at 5 p.m. today.

"No one will be turned away," said Capt. Tom Louden, a Salvation Army area commander.

South Floridians are urged to bundle up as temperatures are expected to plummet into the upper 40s tonight.

The National Weather Service in Miami expects temperatures to drop to the low 40s in western Broward and the mid 40s near the coast at night.

The wind chill factor will make it feel even colder -- between 38 and 43 degrees -- on Wednesday morning, according to the weather service.

These will be the coldest temperatures for the area since last February, said Bob Ebaugh, a weather service specialist.

At the same time, Love Thy Neighbor -- an advocacy group that trains the homeless to become chefs -- is asking for the public's help in providing 500 blankets to homeless people.

Love Thy Neighbor will distribute the blankets to the homeless men and women it serves each Wednesday evening on Fort Lauderdale beach, across from the Jungle Queen restaurant on Las Olas Boulevard.

Blankets or financial support can be dropped off for Love Thy Neighbor at Providence Place, 1299 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.