As a chill grips the Austin air, city officials have taken action to shield vulnerable residents from the cold, triggering the opening of overnight shelters on Sunday. According to KXAN, this effort comes in response to forecasts indicating temperatures at or below freezing. Mayor Kirk Watson broadcast the news on social media, advising that shelter services registration would occur from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at One Texas Center, located at 505 Barton Springs Road.
The release detailed the circumstances under which the cold weather shelters come into play, including temperatures of 32 degrees or less, or 35 degrees with precipitation or a chill factor that drops conditions to freezing. In addition to the overnight facilities, city libraries and parks will serve as warming centers during their regular Sunday hours. For those needing information on how to access the shelters, the city has a dedicated Cold Weather Shelter Hotline, reachable at 512-305-4233.
Capital Metro is stepping up to support by transporting registered individuals to their designated shelters. As outlined by the Austin American-Statesman, this initiative aligns with the city's broader commitment to assist those experiencing homelessness, made evident through a new program sending text alerts before severe weather or natural disasters strike.
David Gray, interim homeless strategy officer, shared with the Austin American-Statesman that the alert system launched in late October and had reached approximately 3,500 individuals who consented to communications from local homeless service providers. These messages aim at coordinating care during critical times. For those not already signed up for these alerts, additional assistance can be garnered by calling that same Cold Weather Shelter Hotline.
