Charlotte County Deputies Aid Family in Port Charlotte
Local law enforcement officers stepped in to provide urgent shelter and food to a mother and her children.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Philanthropy
Charlotte County sheriff's deputies assisted a mother and her four children found sheltering under a tarp in a Walmart parking lot. The family, who lacked money, a vehicle, and a place to stay, received immediate support from responding officers.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the role of law enforcement in addressing immediate humanitarian crises when local resource organizations are unavailable. The deputies stepped in to ensure the family's physical safety during a period of homelessness.
Deputies provided support to a family consisting of a mother and 4 children. This assistance was necessary after the Charlotte CARE Center was unable to provide immediate housing during the late-night hours.
The players
Anabel Wadlington
She is a deputy with the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office who personally funded hotel accommodations for the family.
David Dziedzic
He is a deputy with the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office who provided a meal to the displaced family members.
Charlotte CARE Center
This is a local organization that provides resources and support services to community members in need.
The details
After finding the family at the Walmart on Murdock Circle, Deputy Anabel Wadlington used her own funds to secure a hotel room for them. Deputy David Dziedzic also contributed by purchasing a meal for the group while providing information on local aid organizations.
Timeline
The deputies assisted the family in October 2026.
Market Landscape
This event reflects the ongoing challenges of housing insecurity within Florida as captured by the 2023 Point-in-Time Count of homelessness. It highlights the gap between immediate emergency needs and the availability of local social services.
The situation serves as a reminder of the emergency services available when residents find themselves without shelter in Port Charlotte. Local community members can contact the Charlotte CARE Center for ongoing information regarding available social resources.
The takeaway
When faced with acute homelessness, families can look to local law enforcement for help in securing temporary safety and resource information. Deputies in the area continue to facilitate connections between vulnerable individuals and established support networks.
Further reading
For more information on community assistance initiatives, visit the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mysuncoast.
