New cooling centers and hydration locations open across Fort Worth as temperatures rise throughout the summer

Fort Worth, Texas – Fort Worth is again working with nonprofit groups and community organizations to help residents stay safe as extreme summer temperatures return to North Texas. The city has opened several cooling stations and water distribution locations, giving people access to air conditioning, drinking water, food and other basic support during the hottest part of the year.

The program will operate through Sept. 18. Although the resources are open to people who need relief from the heat, they are especially important for residents experiencing homelessness, who may have few places to escape high temperatures.

Fort Worth began strengthening its summer heat response after local service providers reported a rise in heat-related illnesses and deaths during the summer of 2022. The partnership between the city and nonprofit organizations is now entering its third year.

Cooling stations offer shelter, food and support

Community Crossroads, located at 1516 Hemphill St., will serve as a cooling station on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. Water and snacks will be available for visitors.

Union Gospel Mission, at 1350 E. Lancaster Ave., will open its cooling area Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Visitors will receive a sack lunch. Pets are permitted when kept in kennels, and kennels will be provided. The location will also offer space where people can store their belongings.

True Worth Place, located at 1513 E. Presidio St., will be available every day from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The site gives residents another air-conditioned location where they can find relief from the summer weather.

Several organizations will also operate water stations. Presidio Courtyard, at 1456 E. Presidio St. beside the Travis Men’s Shelter, will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

When We Love, located at 1100 E. Lancaster Ave., will distribute water Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Mabee Center, at 1855 E. Lancaster Ave., will provide bottled water every day during meal service. Water may remain available until 8 p.m., depending on supplies.

Additional help will be offered during the most dangerous weather. Whenever the temperature reaches at least 100 degrees, Presbyterian Night Shelter will begin accepting people for overnight beds at noon instead of waiting until the normal intake time.

Beat the Heat centers return for fourth year

Reliant and Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker are also bringing back the city’s Beat the Heat centers for a fourth consecutive summer. These centers are designed to give residents a comfortable place to cool down while also learning ways to control household electricity use.

Water, snacks and activities will be offered at four community centers across the city. The participating locations are Como Community Center at 4660 Horne St., Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center at 5565 Truman Dr., Northside Community Center at 1100 N.W. 18th St. and Worth Heights Community Center at 3551 New York Ave.

City leaders are asking residents to share information about these locations with neighbors, relatives and community members who may be at risk. Older adults, people without stable housing, residents with health problems and those without reliable air conditioning can face greater danger during long periods of extreme heat.

Anyone experiencing a heat-related emergency should call 911 immediately.