The City of Fort Worth is teaming up with Reliant Energy once again to help residents weather the sweltering summer temperatures. Dubbed the 'Beat the Heat' program, it kicks off for its third consecutive year, aiming to ensure locals can find respite from the relentless Texas sun. As the mercury climbs, those especially vulnerable, such as seniors, people with disabilities, and families with young children, are encouraged to seek out one of the designated cooling centers or request a cooling device to use at home while supplies last.
There’s a list of community centers around the city ready to serve as cooling havens. These include the Como Community Center, the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, and others provided in the initial announcement. Accessibility is key here; the city urges individuals to simply ring the doorbell for entry during summer camp hours if they need to cool off quickly. Despite it being a lifeline for many, the program underscores an ongoing plight to reliably keep cool during the height of summers that seem only to get hotter.
For those without a fixed abode, Fort Worth has set up several cooling stations, such as the Community Crossroads and Union Gospel Mission spots, which offer not only a respite from the heat but also provide essential services like water, snacks, and meals. Additional daytime resources, including True Worth Place and the Presbyterian Night Shelter, cater to the needs of these individuals, where they may check in early for an overnight bed when the temperature is forecast to soar above 100 degrees.
The outreach doesn’t end at community centers and shelters. Libraries across Fort Worth open their doors as informal cooling locations, allowing the public to escape the heat while they enjoy the calm environment and perhaps dive into a good book. It's a clever way to combine essential services with the everyday cultural offerings of the city. Every bit of shade and cool air not only provides comfort but also could be saving lives.
Embodying the community spirit, the city's mascot, Molly, and Reliant's Hugo the armadillo, were seen beaming at the June 18 kickoff event, according to images released by the city. Those wanting more information on the Beat the Heat program and a full list of cooling centers can visit the City of Fort Worth's official website.
