The City of Austin’s Homeless Strategy Office (HSO), in partnership with the Austin Area Urban League (AAUL), is committed to providing safe, reliable shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness during extreme cold weather. In response to feedback from community stakeholders, the City is implementing several key changes to the Cold Weather Shelter operations this winter to better serve the community. These improvements aim to enhance accessibility, support, and overall effectiveness in meeting the needs of vulnerable individuals.

"This year’s enhancements to our cold weather shelter operations reflect our unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community from life-threatening weather conditions,” said David Gray, Homeless Strategy Officer. “These improvements ensure that, during the harshest winter months, we can provide safe, warm, and dignified accommodations for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. From higher temperature thresholds to family hotel vouchers, we are making it easier than ever for people to get the help they need during very cold nights. These improvements are a vital part of Austin’s ongoing efforts to enhance services and provide better support for those experiencing homelessness."

Simplified Activation Thresholds
HSO is simplifying and raising the Cold Weather Shelter activation threshold. Shelters will now open when forecasted overnight temperatures at Camp Mabry are expected to reach 35 degrees or below. This new, simplified threshold replaces the previous multi-tiered criteria, which required temperatures to be 32 degrees or colder, 35 degrees with rain, or 35 degrees with wind chill. The updated approach will allow for more frequent and predictable shelter availability during cold weather cycles.

Earlier Notification of Activations
In response to community input, HSO will now activate Cold Weather Shelters up to one day in advance. This offers more time for the City, stakeholders, and service providers to inform the community about cold weather shelters. A decision to open shelters is final and will not be canceled, even if weather forecasts improve above the threshold.

After-Hours Embarkation Service
Recognizing that not all individuals seeking shelter can arrive at the central embarkation point (One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Rd.) during normal registration hours (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.), HSO and AAUL will introduce an After-Hours Embarkation Service. This service will provide transportation to shelters from the central embarkation point after the normal embarkation period. This extended access ensures that no one is turned away due to timing, providing greater flexibility for those in need of cold weather shelter.

Enhanced Meal Service
To ensure clients are well-nourished during their stay, HSO and AAUL have enhanced meal offerings at Cold Weather Shelters. In addition to providing hot dinners each evening, breakfast or snacks will be available the following morning. Efforts will be made to accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions to ensure the meals meet the diverse needs of shelter residents.

Support for Families with Children
Families with children, as well as unaccompanied minors, seeking refuge during Cold Weather Shelter activation periods will be provided with hotel vouchers. These vouchers will ensure families have access to safe, comfortable accommodations during shelter activation. The vouchers will cover the cost of lodging for a designated period, with extensions available as needed based on availability.

The City of Austin and AAUL advises all individuals experiencing homelessness to take advantage of these resources during the cold weather months. While Cold Weather Shelters are primarily accessed by people experiencing homelessness, they are available to anyone needing a warm place to spend the night. The City of Austin encourages the community to share this information widely to help those in need access these critical services. Individuals can get information about access and activation by calling the Cold Weather Shelter Hotline - 512-972-5055.

Please follow austintexas.gov/alerts for emergency information updated in multiple languages.
 To learn more about homelessness in Austin, please visit www.austintexas.gov/homelessness
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