As temperatures in Dallas dip below freezing, the Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS) is taking action to protect the city’s homeless population by maintaining its Temporary Inclement Weather Shelter (TIWS). According to a recent bulletin from the City of Dallas, the TIWS will keep its doors open in line with Chapter 45 of the City Code until the forecast predicts milder nights.
For those seeking refuge from the cold, TIWS sites are located at Fair Park Grand Place and Austin Street II, with intake hours spanning 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., while the Fair Park Tower Building became operable yesterday, welcoming individuals from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Austin Street Center stands as the City’s external partner, managing these shelters with enhanced services for those in need, as the TIWS activated since Sunday is predicted to remain active for the week's harsh weather. The Office of Homeless Solutions has been coordinating efforts with community partners, and it could potentially extend these services if conditions do not improve with daily notifications about shelter status being published by noon.
"We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of those experiencing homelessness in our city," Christine Crossley, Director of the OHS, emphasized, recognizing that not everyone will seek out the warmth of the shelters offered, the OHS also distributes cold weather packs to individuals opting to stay outdoors which can be picked up at recreational centers or in bulk through their volunteer email.
To engage the community in their mission, the OHS is reaching out to those willing to contribute time or services, advising any prospective volunteers or donors to make use of the email [email protected], furthermore, individuals in need of shelter outside of the temporary inclement weather arrangements are encouraged to find lodging at the City's established overnight shelters.
