With the mercury rising, Arlington is stepping up to offer relief from the heat for its homeless citizens. The Arlington Life Shelter and The Salvation Army have opened their doors as cooling stations to provide a respite from the sweltering summer temperatures, according to the City of Arlington, Texas. In addition to these designated cooling stations, all Arlington Public Library locations are welcoming individuals who are looking for a place to cool off during their regular hours of operation.
Residents without air conditioning can find relief at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library, which is open from Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and during the weekends with adjusted hours. For those closer to the outskirts, other library branches across the city maintain a slightly different schedule, making it accessible for almost everyone in need to find a cooling spot near them.
When it comes to the operating guidelines, The Salvation Army, situated at 712 W. Abram St., extends indoor cooling space for up to three guests at a time, in 30-minute intervals, from Monday through Friday between noon to 6 p.m. They make allowances for families who need a cool place and provide water to prevent dehydration.
Meanwhile, over at the Arlington Life Shelter, located at 325 W. Division St., they're focusing on keeping people hydrated by running an outdoor hydration station with water available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the weekdays. According to the City of Arlington, Texas, these efforts are critical as they serve the city's most vulnerable citizens amid the sometimes-oppressive Texas heat.
For those who wish to stay informed on inclement weather responses such as these cooling stations or emergency shelters, the City of Arlington offers a text subscription service. By texting ARLCOLD to 877-799-4950, residents can sign up to receive alerts about shelters during extreme weather conditions. This service aims to provide real-time updates to ensure no one is left without a safe reprieve from harsh weather conditions.
