Freezing temperatures and extreme weather keep several Dallas shelters open this week

Myah Gray January 9, 2025

Designed to provide protection for the homeless population of the city during extreme weather, the Temporary Inclement Weather Shelter (TIWS) project keeps running this week due to continuously low temperatures — Credit: Unsplash

Dallas, Texas – The Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS) is acting pro-actively to make sure none is left out in the cold during the freezing weather these days in Dallas. Designed to provide protection for the homeless population of the city during extreme weather, the Temporary Inclement Weather Shelter (TIWS) project keeps running this week due to continuously low temperatures.

First triggered this season on January 5, the TIWS are an emergency reaction triggered under Chapter 45 of the City Code, which requires the running of emergency shelters when nightly temperatures drop below freezing. The initiative will keep running until projections show a continuous increase above freezing levels.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of those experiencing homelessness in our city,” said Christine Crossley, Director of the City of Dallas Office of Homeless Solutions. “While our shelters provide vital warmth and protection, we understand some individuals may choose to stay outside. We want to ensure they have the resources they need to survive these harsh conditions.”

The primary locations offering shelter during this time include:

Fair Park Grand Place at 3701 Grand Ave., with intake hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Austin Street II located at 2929 Hickory St., also welcoming individuals from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Fair Park Tower Building at 3809 Grand Ave., opening its doors starting Wednesday, January 8, with intake from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Every site runs in cooperation with the Austin Street Center, a city partner helping to implement the TIWS program and improve the offerings during these critical moments.

Apart from the approved TIWS locations, Dallas has several already existing overnight shelters accessible to people in need. Cold weather survival kits are being handed out at several recreational centers across the city to help even more. By contacting OHS via their volunteer email at [email protected], one can also get these kits in bulk.

OHS invites the community to participate in either responsible donations or time and service volunteering for anyone wishing to assist the work of the city. Those that show interest can become Friends of OHS by emailing the same address.

Daily activation alerts released at noon and tracked on the OHS website will be sent as the situation develops to guarantee that every member of the community has the latest information on the availability and running state of shelters. Through these initiatives, Dallas seeks to create a secure refuge for its most vulnerable residents through the winter season.