Jon Tyson for Unsplash
Temperatures later this week look pretty grim for those who do not have a home or a place to stay.
The City of Dallas has an ordinance requiring staff to oversee and coordinate the operation of extra shelters when the forecast predicts inclement weather (that would be the next few nights).
And there are ways we can contribute by volunteering time, donating money for services and/or offering help to someone stuck out in the cold.
A cold weather advisory, according to Chapter 45 of the City code, means the minimum nighttime temperature forecasted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service is 36 degrees or below at any point between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m. (the next day). The temporary inclement weather shelters also must open if the forecast calls for any amount of freezing rain or ice or for two or more inches of snow (alone or in combination with sleet and freezing rain).
These shelters are subject to the same safety and anti-discriminatory standards required at other Dallas shelters.
Temporary shelters for upcoming freezes are located at Oak Lawn United Methodist Church, 3014 Oak Lawn Avenue, and OurCalling, 1702 S. Cesar Chavez Blvd. Intake is 5-9 p.m. OurCalling will remain open throughout the night on inclement weather nights.
To volunteer for Jan. 19-22 at Oak Lawn UMC, visit this training video and sign-up sheet.
OurCalling has a mobil app for reporting homeless encampments to volunteers who will go out and offer help and shelter. This is a year-round service.
Every financial gift makes an impact, they report that $25 is enough to keep a person for a night.
Onsite rapid response COVID-19 testing will be available at both locations and those who test positive will be transported and isolated at a location operated and staffed by Dallas’ Office of Homeless Solutions and affiliated partners. More information will be provided to those individuals at the time.
Other area homeless shelters also will be in need of volunteers and resources. If you are in a position to help, here is who to call.
