Being raised west of the Mississippi and taught to take care of things myself rather than depending on anyone else--heading for any kind of public shelter would be my last choice but I think it would depend on the situation. If it is 30 below I would be trying to get out of the cold but I still would not want to give up the freedoms I place high upon my priority list. I suppose it would depend a lot on what you are prepared for. If all I had was the clothes on my back (heaven forbid) I think even a blanket on a hard floor and anything to eat would be better than sleeping on the street with nothing.