Austin Activates Cold Weather Shelters for the Homeless

News Summary

As freezing temperatures approach, Austin is activating cold weather shelters from January 5 to January 9, 2025, to provide safe accommodations for the homeless. Registration takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at One Texas Center, offering meals and overnight stays, including provisions for pets. Free transportation is available, and hotel vouchers will be provided for families if shelters reach capacity. The city’s proactive measures ensure that everyone has a warm place to stay during the cold snap.

Austin Activates Cold Weather Shelters to Tackle Freezing Temperatures

As Austin braces for a cold snap, the city is stepping up its efforts to help those in need. From Sunday, January 5, 2025 through Thursday, January 9, 2025, cold weather shelters will be operating to provide a warm place to stay for those who might otherwise face the frigid conditions.

What to Expect at the Shelters

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, these shelters offer a safe and welcoming environment. Registration for the shelters will take place each evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at One Texas Center, conveniently located at 505 Barton Springs Road. You’ll want to arrive during these hours to secure a spot for the night!

The shelters are not just a roof over your head; they offer overnight accommodations, meals, and even provisions for pets. That’s right—furry friends are welcome, but there are a few rules to keep in mind. Pets must be non-aggressive, on a leash, and able to sleep with their owners. If your pet needs a crate, be sure to let the staff know during registration.

Getting to the Shelter

Worried about transportation? Don’t be! Several Capital Metro bus routes can get you to One Texas Center, including lines 1, 7, 10, 20, 30, 105, 142, and 801. For those who may have difficulty paying for bus fare, free transportation is available. An after-hours transportation service will also be offered for anyone needing assistance getting to the shelter outside of the standard registration hours.

Special Accommodations

Families traveling with children or unaccompanied minors should feel at ease knowing that hotel vouchers will be provided if the shelters reach capacity. The city has planned this ahead of time to ensure everyone has a safe place to go during this chilly weather.

Weather Watch

The decision to activate these shelters isn’t made lightly. The city closely monitors forecasts, specifically from the National Weather Service at Camp Mabry. If temperatures are expected to plummet to 35 degrees or colder at night, the shelters are opened to provide warmth and shelter from the wind chill, which could dip into the teens and even single digits in the coming days.

Stay Updated

To spread the word, the city has shared shelter plans with community partners and sent notifications to individuals registered in the city’s text alert system. If you need more information or updates, don’t hesitate to call the cold weather shelter hotline at 512-972-5055 or visit the official website at AustinTexas.gov/Alerts.

A Helping Hand When It’s Needed Most

It’s heartening to see Austin come together to protect its most vulnerable during these harsh winter days. If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, make sure to pass along the information. Together, we can make a difference, one warm night at a time.