Central Texas is bracing for a winter storm, prompting the activation of numerous warming shelters and centers across the region to assist those in need. Below is a comprehensive list of available locations where individuals can seek refuge from the cold.
Bastrop County
In Elgin, a warming center has been established at Elgin Open Door Ministries, located at 108 Depot Street. This facility will begin operations on Saturday, January 24, at 6 p.m.
Bexar County
San Antonio will open six overnight Resilience Hubs from Saturday, January 25, through Monday, January 26, starting at noon. The hubs will provide essential supplies, access to power, device charging, and free Wi-Fi. The locations are:
- Copernicus Community Center – 5003 Lord Road, 78220
- Garza Community Center – 1450 Mira Vista, 78228
- Miller’s Pond Community Center – 6175 Old Pearsall Road, 78242
- Normoyle Community Center – 700 Culberson, 78225
- Northeast Senior Center – 4135 Thousand Oaks, 78217
- Southside Lions Senior Center – 3303 Pecan Valley Drive, 78210
Attendees are encouraged to bring clothing, supplies, and medications. Additionally, pet kennels will be available in a designated area.
City libraries, community centers, and senior centers will also function as warming sites during regular hours. For a complete list of locations and hours, visit SA.gov/ColdWeather or call 3-1-1 (210-207-6000) from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Overnight Shelters
The city will provide additional temporary overnight shelter at the following sites:
- Bode Community Center – 901 Rigsby Ave, 78210
- Communities Under the Bridge (CUB) – 724 Chestnut St., 78202
- Corazon San Antonio – 504 Ave E, 78215
- New Direction Church – 1139 Gembler, 78219 (for all) & 1802 Guadalupe, 78207 (for females only)
Pets are permitted at all shelter locations.
Caldwell County
In Lockhart, the American Legion at 1501 N Colorado Street will open as a warming center starting Friday, January 23, at 5:30 p.m. It will remain operational as long as necessary, offering some overnight accommodations and Red Cross assistance. Additionally, Calvary Chapel at 204 N Main Street will be open from January 23 through January 27.
Comal County
New Braunfels has activated several warming centers and one overnight shelter. The warming centers include:
- Westside Community Center – 2932 South I-35 Frontage Road, open Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Crisis Center of Comal County – 655 Landa Street, operational Monday to Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Gruene United Methodist Church – 2629 E. Common St., open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The overnight shelter is located at NB Housing Partners – First Footing Shelter, 4120 Loop 337, operational from Friday to Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Hays County
In San Marcos, a winter shelter at the Southside Community Center, 518 S. Guadalupe Street, will open on January 24. This facility will be available overnight from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. the following day and will reopen at noon if freezing conditions persist. The shelter offers 40 cots on a first-come, first-served basis and will provide free evening meals at 4 p.m. and breakfast at 8 a.m. Non-aggressive pets are allowed on leashes.
In Uhland, St. Michael’s Catholic Church Hall at 80 S. Old Spanish Trail will serve as a warming center, accommodating up to 20 people. For further details, contact 512-398-7475.
Travis County
Austin will open its cold weather shelters from Friday, January 23, through Sunday, January 25. Individuals seeking shelter should go to One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road, to register during specified hours. CapMetro bus routes provide access to the center, and fare will be waived for those who cannot pay. The Cold Weather Shelter Hotline can be reached at (512) 972-5055.
Additionally, three Austin Public Library branches will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for those seeking warmth on Saturday and Sunday:
- Central Library – 710 W Cesar Chavez St
- Terrazas Branch Library – 1105 E Cesar Chavez St
- Little Walnut Branch Library – 835 W. Rundberg Ln.
Williamson County
In Georgetown, Helping Hands of Georgetown has activated a warming center at the Getsemani Community Center, 412 E. 19th St., from Friday, January 23, through Tuesday, January 27, operating from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. Pets are welcome but must remain in closed crates indoors, with owners responsible for their care.
In Taylor, St. James Episcopal Church and the Taylor Center for Assistance & Navigation (TaylorCAN) will provide a 24-hour cold weather shelter starting January 23. The shelter opens at 7 p.m. and will remain open until Tuesday morning, offering sleeping spaces, charging outlets, and hot meals. For inquiries or to volunteer, contact TCAN at 737-306-4574.
Donations are accepted for specific items at the church from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning Friday. Items needed include waterproof winter gloves, soft fruit, protein snacks, and loaves of bread. Perishable or homemade food cannot be accepted.
