Office of Homeless Solutions activates Temporary Inclement Weather Shelters in anticipation of inclement weather
DALLAS – Dallas Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS) will activate the Temporary Inclement Weather Shelter (TIWS) Friday, Jan. 12, 2024. The shelter will remain open until the inclement weather comes to a halt, based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric forecast, and in accordance with Chapter 45 of the City Code.
Fair Park Grand Place at 3701 Grand Ave. Dallas, TX, 75210 will be the primary TIWS site. Austin Street Center will operate the site as the City’s external partner in the execution of TIWS activities, providing enhanced services during TIWS. Intake hours will be from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, and from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily thereafter, until the inclement weather comes to an end.
“Inclement Weather Shelters are a priority for the City of Dallas. They provide a safe and warm environment for our unsheltered neighbors, giving them access to food and water and an opportunity to connect with organizations that can provide short and long-term supportive housing,” said Deputy City Manager Kimberly Tolbert. “This effort is a collaborative process that could not be achieved without non-profits across Dallas who are dedicated to ending homelessness.”
The City of Dallas works with local nonprofits to implement Temporary Inclement Weather Shelters to provide temporary shelter for the City’s most vulnerable neighbors.
“Austin Street Center is grateful to have the responsibility of assisting the city to coordinate this effort,” said Austin Street Center’s Chief Executive Officer Daniel Roby. “Too often, we talk about what isn’t working – but this collaborative effort has been an effective partnership that saves lives every year.
“As a community, we have a responsibility to ensure that our most vulnerable residents are not left out in the cold. The opening of Temporary Inclement Weather Shelter at Fair Park is a testament to our commitment to providing a safe and warm environment for those in need,” said Director Christine Crossley, Office of Homeless Solutions. “We are proud to offer this essential service in partnership with Austin Street Center and Fair Park, and we hope it will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those seeking shelter here.”
“We are committed to assisting the community,” said Stacey Church, General Manager of Fair Park. “Offering one of our facilities as shelter during the upcoming winter weather is just a part of our role as a community steward.”
In addition to the above mentioned TIWS sites, individuals experiencing homelessness are encouraged to seek shelter at any of the City’s existing overnight shelter provider locations, which can be found here. We also recognize that while the best practice is to seek warm shelter, some individuals may refuse assistance. To help improve their chance of survival, cold weather packs will be available at recreational centers across the City and in bulk from OHS via [email protected].
For more information on how to Give Responsibly or to become a Friends of OHS and volunteer your time or services please visit dallashomelesssolutions.com.
