The Office of Homeless Solutions opens temporary inclement weather shelters (TIWS) in response to frigid temperatures Saturday night

The Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS) has been monitoring the weather forecast and based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric forecast will open temporary inclement weather shelters (TIWS) in the City of Dallas starting Saturday, Jan.15. This is in accordance with Chapter 45 of the City Code. City staff will continue closely monitoring the forecast and will make an additional activation announcement if needed.

Individuals experiencing homelessness are encouraged to seek shelter at any one of the City’s existing overnight shelter provider locations. If those shelters are at capacity, guests can seek shelter at one of two temporary inclement weather shelters – Oak Lawn United Methodist Church (UMC) and OurCalling.

Oak Lawn UMC is located at 3014 Oak Lawn Avenue and OurCalling is located at 1702 S. Cesar Chavez Blvd. Intake hours at both locations are 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Admission to Oak Lawn UMC closes at 9:00 p.m. Any guests who arrive at Oak Lawn UMC after 9:00 p.m. will be directed to OurCalling which will remain open overnight.

Onsite rapid response COVID-19 testing will be available at both locations. Individuals who test positive will be transported and isolated at a location operated and staffed by OHS and affiliated partners. For the safety and security of staff and guests, the location is not being disclosed at this time. Additional information will be provided once the shelters close.

Due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant and the vulnerability of the unsheltered population, access to these shelters is strictly limited to City of Dallas Office of Homeless Solutions and partnering staff.

There are a number of homeless service providers in need of volunteers and donations. To see how you can help MDHA’s Dallas Real-Time Rapid Rehousing Initiative assist our neighbors, click here and for a full list of local shelters, click on the link below.

https://www.dallascitynews.net/office-of-homeless-solutions-resources

For interviews on the city’s latest efforts to combat homelessness contact the communications, outreach and marketing department at [email protected].