The City of Austin has initiated its Cold Weather Shelter program in response to a significant drop in overnight temperatures, which are expected to reach the mid-30s. This decision comes as part of efforts to provide safe and warm accommodations for those in need during the colder months.
Registration for the shelter will be held tonight from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at One Texas Center (OTC), located at 505 Barton Springs Road. This site will serve as the main hub where registered individuals can board CapMetro buses that will transport them to undisclosed shelter locations.
Families with children and unaccompanied minors seeking shelter will be accommodated in hotels rather than in general shelter facilities, ensuring a safe environment for vulnerable populations.
The activation of the Cold Weather Shelter program is overseen by the Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations (AHSO), which monitors weather conditions closely. The program is activated when temperatures are projected to fall to 35 degrees or below, as reported by the National Weather Service’s Camp Mabry.
Access and Operations
Registration will occur from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at One Texas Center (OTC), where CapMetro will provide transportation via routes 1, 7, 10, 20, 30, 105, and 801. Individuals without the means to pay for fare will still be granted transportation. Community partners are also encouraged to assist in bringing those in need to OTC.
For those requiring transportation outside of the main registration hours, an after-hours service will be available. It is important to note that the locations of the shelters are kept confidential for safety and operational reasons, including capacity management.
Guest Guidelines and Outreach
The shelters are open to anyone seeking warmth for the night, although they primarily serve individuals experiencing homelessness. Meals will be provided to all guests, and non-aggressive pets are welcome, provided they are leashed and can comfortably stay with their owners. Guests needing a crate for their pets should inform the staff during registration.
Personal belongings are permitted as long as guests are able to carry them onto the CapMetro bus. Women and couples will be housed in separate areas within the same shelter, depending on available capacity.
AHSO has activated its text alert system to inform nearly 5,000 subscribers about the shelter activation, and they are encouraging community partners who assist the unsheltered population to help spread the word.
For more information on access and activation, individuals can contact the Cold Weather Shelter Infoline at 512-972-5055.
