North Texas temperatures are forecasted to drop to well below freezing in the coming days. Therefore, The Salvation Army of North Texas has launched its holistic inclement weather services to help our vulnerable neighbors stay safe and warm.
Based on the forecast, these locations are preparing to activate overnight warming shelters:
- In Dallas County – the Carr P. Collins Social Service Center and Garland Corps Community Center are planned to open for inclement weather shelter.
Each shelter follows guidelines by the city and county, but exact protocols may vary depending on location. North Texas Area Command has established a threshold for activating overnight warming shelters, which relies on a forecast of 36 degrees or below, usually for more than two consecutive days.
The Salvation Army’s overnight warming shelters offer a safe place, warm food and drink, emotional and spiritual care, clean-up kits, and assistance to individuals and families seeking refuge. The threat of cold weather-related illnesses is a stark reality in the community, particularly for at-risk groups such as seniors, young children, individuals with chronic diseases, and those experiencing homelessness and poverty.
In response to this pressing concern, The Salvation Army extends its services beyond overnight warming shelters, providing cold weather gear distribution, utility and rental assistance and other programs aimed at promoting long-term stability in Dallas, Collin, Denton, Tarrant, Ellis, and Rockwall counties.
“As temperatures drop, we recognize the critical need for our services, particularly for our most vulnerable neighbors facing real, life-threatening challenges,” said Major Paul McFarland, area commander of The Salvation Army of North Texas. “Because The Salvation Army is embedded in the communities where it serves, teams are already on the ground and can respond immediately when a disaster strikes, or weather suddenly turns. As the cold sets in, The Salvation Army will continue to keep hope alive and meet immediate and long-term community needs, not just during this winter, but year-round.”
As the largest social services provider in North Texas, The Salvation Army provides year-round support to all those facing poverty, addiction and homelessness across Dallas, Rockwall, Tarrant and Ellis, Denton and Collin counties. Each week, The Salvation Army of North Texas feeds 10,000 people through its 12 food pantries, treats 800 people through its three recovery programs and houses 1,300 people through its six shelters and senior living centers.
To donate to The Salvation Army’s preparation/relief efforts: SalvationArmyNorthTexas.org.
About The Salvation Army of North Texas: The Salvation Army of North Texas provides a range of services to combat poverty, addiction, and homelessness at 21 centers of operation in Dallas, Tarrant and Ellis, and Denton and Collin counties. Faithful to our mission, The Salvation Army enables God-empowered transformations of individuals and society through food assistance, shelter, rehabilitation, counseling, spiritual support, mentoring, job placement and more. Information: www.SalvationArmyNTX.org.
