As the city braces for chilling temperatures, Austin officials are set to activate its network of cold weather shelters starting Sunday evening. According to KXAN, "Shelters will open when forecasted overnight temperatures at Camp Mabry are expected to reach 35 degrees or below." With a forecast dipping into the 30s, measures are being taken to ensure that Austin residents have a warm place to stay.
Registration for access to the shelters is available from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the One Texas Center, located at 505 Barton Springs Road, which acts as the central collection point for those in need. The CBS Austin report adds that an after-hours transportation service will be available for those seeking shelter outside of this transportation period. In a bid to ensure safety and warmth for all, the city has made concessions for those unable to pay bus fare; they will still be provided rides to the shelters.
Once individuals arrive at the shelters, they can expect meals provided and separate areas for women and couples, "as capacity allows," the city informed. Accommodations extend to individuals with pets, who are permitted to stay as long as they are not aggressive, leashed, and can sleep with their owners. An additional layer of assistance is offered to vulnerable populations, as hotel vouchers will be provided to families with children and unaccompanied minors seeking shelter during these low temperatures, as per the protocols outlined by the authorities.
Residents who are in need of cold weather shelter information or assistance are directed to call the Cold Weather Shelter Hotline at 512-972-5055. Furthermore, real-time emergency information, available in multiple languages, can be found at AustinTexas.gov/Alerts. The city ensures that these measures are in place and continues to monitor the weather closely, indicating that the shelters could remain open if the freezing conditions persist into Wednesday and Thursday mornings.
