While facilities would usually be closed for the holidays starting later this week, the City of Austin has announced it will be opening several Warming Centers and Cold Weather Shelters over the holiday weekend.
Warming Centers are available for temporary relief from the cold during day. Cold Weather Shelters will be open overnight on Thursday through Sunday.
Here’s What You Need to Know About the City of Austin Warming Centers
DAYS & HOURS:
Friday, December 23 and Saturday, December 24
8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
LOCATIONS:
- Little Walnut Creek Branch Library, 835 W. Rundberg Ln, Austin, TX 78758
- Terrazas Branch Library, 1105 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
- Turner Roberts Recreation Center, 7201 Colony Loop Dr, Austin, TX 78724
- George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center 5801 Ainez Dr
Austin, TX 78744
This information is subject to change as weather conditions change. For the most up-to-date locations and hours please check austintexas.gov/alerts.
WHAT IS A WARMING CENTER?
A Warming Center is a safe place where anyone in the community can come inside to get temporary relief from the cold weather during normal operating hours. Pets are not permitted inside Warming Centers. If someone arrives with a pet, facility staff will contact Animal Services to provide pet support.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Anyone seeking a ride to a Warming Center and does not have a means to pay will still be given a ride if requested. No one will be denied a ride to Warming Center or Cold Weather Shelter on CapMetro services.
Here’s What You Need to Know About the City of Austin Cold Weather Shelters
On Thursday, in coordination with Austin Area Urban League, staff across the city will open up to three Cold Weather Shelters with the ability to expand capacity. Shelters will be open each night from Thursday, December 22 through Sunday, December 25.
How to access a Cold Weather Shelter:
- Individuals can get information about access and activation by calling the Cold Weather Shelter Hotline - 512-305-ICEE (4233).
- Registration for shelter takes place between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at One Texas Center (OTC), 505 Barton Springs Road.
- CapMetro transports individuals from the OTC to a Cold Weather Shelter.
- While Cold Weather Shelters are primarily accessed by people experiencing homelessness, they are available to anyone in need of a warm place to spend the night.
- Guidance for Cold Weather Shelter guests is available here.
The locations that are activated for Cold Weather Shelters will remain open during the day on Friday and Saturday so individuals are able to stay warm and safe. Since shelters are largely used by individuals experiencing homelessness, the city does not list the locations for a variety of reasons, including managing capacity limits and privacy concerns. However, the registration and embarkation point is located at the OTC at 505 Barton Springs Road.
VOLUNTEERING AND DONATIONS
If members of the community would like to help our most vulnerable, there are several ways to help.
Please contact the American Red Cross to inquire about donating items or volunteering for the shelter strike team. Contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.
Austin Area Urban League is accepting donations such as socks and clothing for people experiencing homelessness. Supplies can be dropped at Southbridge Shelter at 2711 S. IH 35 Austin, Texas 78741. Contact Austin Area Urban League at aaul.org for more information.
The Central Texas Food bank is accepting monetary and food donations. Most requested food items are peanut butter, canned chicken or tuna, canned low sodium vegetables, canned fruit in its own juice, dry pinto beans, brown rice, non-fat dry milk and 100% whole grain cereal. Donations can be dropped off at 6500 Metropolis Drive. Austin, Texas 78744 or see centraltexasfoodbank.org for more information or to make a monetary donation.
Residents are encouraged to follow austintexas.gov/alerts for emergency information.
