With winter's chill taking a firm grip on Austin, Texas, city officials are ensuring that the vulnerable and homeless are given a warm place to retreat. On Friday night, the City of Austin is set to open cold weather shelters to anyone in need of refuge from the freezing temperatures. Registration for the shelters will occur from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the One Texas Center, located at 505 Barton Springs Road, according to CBS Austin.
Cold weather shelters will open overnight Fri, Dec. 29.
— City of Austin (@austintexasgov) December 29, 2023
Go to One Texas Center (OTC), 505 Barton Springs Road from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. to register for overnight shelter.
More information at https://t.co/VckyLPnOrw or call the Cold Weather Shelter Hotline - 512-972-5055. pic.twitter.com/aUik5SWANG
Those seeking shelter will then be transported to various locations by CapMetro buses, a cooperation aimed at helping those without the means for the fare, as stated by KXAN.
The shelters come into play if temperatures are expected to dip to 32 degrees or colder overnight, reach 35 degrees with precipitation, or exhibit a wind chill that drives the effective temperature down to 32 degrees or colder, as per KXAN.
While primarily serving the homeless community, these shelters are accessible to all residents needing protection against the cold. For information on access and availability, the city has set up a Cold Weather Shelter Hotline at 512-972-5055. Additionally, Austin's unsheltered population can stay informed about such emergency services through text alerts from the City, and information is also available in multiple languages on the city's website.
