As Dallas-Fort Worth braces for brutally cold temperatures, freezing precipitation, and possible power outages this weekend, local city buildings and nonprofits are opening their doors as warming shelters. Here is a running list of places where people can go to safely warm up and rest. The list will be updated as more are announced.
The City of Fort Worth manages an emergency overnight overflow sheltering program when temperatures reach certain thresholds and regular emergency shelters are at capacity. If regular emergency shelters and beds are full when people arrive, they will be relocated to available overflow beds at one of the available additional emergency shelter locations, the city says.They advise that individuals experiencing homelessness should first access one of the regular emergency shelters:
- Union Gospel Mission (1321 E. Lancaster Ave.)
- Presbyterian Night Shelter (2400 Cypress St.)
- Families should go to the Salvation Army's J.E. & L.E. Mabee Social Service Center (1855 E. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth)
The City of Arlington has additional overnight shelters available:
- First United Methodist Church, 407 N. Mesquite St. Open on dates when overnight temperatures reach 32 degrees or less for four or more consecutive hours.
- Nations Church Arlington, 1013 W. Park Row Drive. Open continuously from noon Friday-Monday as both a warming center and an overnight shelter.
- All Arlington Public Library locations and recreation centers are open to the public for warming, in designated areas, during standard operating hours.
- The Arlington Animal Services Shelter accepts pets of homeless individuals as capacity allows.
The Salvation Army has several warming stations available across Tarrant, Dallas, and Denton Counties. They'll provide shelter and warmth, food and drink, emotional and spiritual care, and additional supplies to anyone in need. Locations are:
Dallas Public Libraries and Recreation Centers are open during regular hours as warming and charging stations.
The Office of Homeless Solutions provides help for unsheltered individuals in Dallas.
Austin Street Center, in partnership with the City of Dallas and OurCalling, is activating an Inclement Weather Shelter at Fair Park’s Automobile Building, at 1010 1st Ave., Dallas, beginning at 4 pm Friday, January 23. It can accommodate 1,200 individuals and will offer shuttle service, meals, restroom facilities, blankets, and a safe, heated space for those experiencing homelessness. (Note: Austin Street's shelter location at 2929 Hickory St. will not be in operation this weekend.)
