Austin Opens Overnight Cold Weather Shelters as Mid‑30s Forecast Hits the City

Austin residents woke up to a forecast of temperatures in the mid‑30s for Sunday night. In response, the city announced that its overnight cold weather shelters would open that evening to offer a warm refuge for anyone in need.

Shelter Activation and Registration

The city’s policy is to activate shelters whenever the National Weather Service projects temperatures that dip into the mid‑30s. Once activated, people can register for a shelter spot at One Texas Center (OTC) on 505 Barton Springs Road. Registration windows open at 6 p.m. and again at 8 p.m., giving residents two opportunities to sign up before the shelters close for the night.

Hotel Rooms for Families

During cold‑weather activation periods, the city also provides hotel rooms for families that have children. This measure ensures that families have a safe place to stay while the weather remains harsh. The hotel rooms are part of the city’s broader strategy to keep all Austin residents, especially those experiencing homelessness, out of the cold.

Text Alert System and Community Outreach

A city press release highlighted that Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations (AHSO) will use its text‑alert system to notify nearly 5,000 subscribers about the shelter activation. The same release stated, “Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations will also use its text alert system to notify nearly 5,000 subscribers about the cold weather shelter activation. Also, AHSO is requesting community partners who work directly with Austin’s unsheltered population to spread awareness about the availability of CWS.”

Early Arrival at One Texas Center

By 5 p.m. on Sunday, a couple of dozen people were already waiting at OTC for buses to arrive. Among them was a man named Martin, who told KXAN that sleeping outside during winter weather can be scary. He said, “It feels really cold outside, and you don’t know if you are going to make it to the morning or not.”

Access and Information

The city clarified that cold‑weather shelters (CWS) are primarily accessed by people experiencing homelessness, but they are available to anyone needing a warm place to spend the night. Individuals can obtain information about access and activation by calling the CWS Infoline at 512‑972‑5055. This number is listed on the city’s website and in the press release.

Recent Changes to Shelter Operations

KXAN reporting noted that the city recently made a couple of operational changes. First, the city now allows people to remain at a shelter if it anticipates the shelter will be open the following night due to persistent cold weather. Previously, the city would discharge people staying in the shelter during the day, only to have them return later that night.

Second, the city has extended the time people can stay in the shelter before leaving in the morning. Earlier, the city asked people to leave by 6:30 a.m.; it has now pushed that deadline back to 10 a.m. Chris Anderson, deputy director of Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations, told KXAN that the change was made because temperatures remain quite low early in the morning.

Key Takeaways

• Austin’s cold‑weather shelters open when temperatures dip into the mid‑30s, with registration at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at OTC.
• The city offers hotel rooms for families with children during activation periods and runs a text‑alert system that reaches nearly 5,000 subscribers.
• Operational changes now allow overnight stays to continue into the next night and extend the morning departure time to 10 a.m., reflecting the city’s response to early‑morning cold.

Closing

The city’s efforts underscore a commitment to keep Austin residents safe during cold snaps. By combining shelter activation, hotel room provision, and community outreach, the city aims to provide a reliable safety net for those most vulnerable to the winter weather.