Houston nonprofits, not the city, offer warm havens amid cold snap
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Though the City of Houston declined to open warming centers during this week's cold snap, several nonprofits are offering resources for Houstonians in need.
The big picture: Overnight temperatures must reach 24 degrees (or 15 degrees with a wind chill) for at least two hours for the city to open the centers, and so far, temperatures forecast for this week will not meet that threshold.
State of play: Temperatures are expected to bottom out in the mid- to upper 30s after Monday night dipped below freezing.
- There's also a near-certain chance for showers Thursday into the night, when temperatures are expected to reach 37 degrees.
Threat level: Metropolitan Transit Authority police believe the cold weather contributed to one person's death at an east Houston bus stop early Monday, according to ABC13.
- A spokesperson for the Star of Hope, a homeless outreach ministry, told Houston Public Media the city's refusal to open warming centers put a strain on resources.
Yes, but: The mayor's office coordinated with nonprofits citywide to offer shelter to those in need during Sunday night's cold, city spokesperson Ruth Tovar said.
- The Coalition for the Homeless is offering supplies and rides to shelters, when possible, to people experiencing homelessness.
Go deeper: Tovar pointed to these nonprofit and non-governmental organizations for anyone seeking assistance:
- The Beacon John S. Dunn Outreach Center (Day center, 1212 Prairie St.)
- Star of Hope Men's Development Center (Men only, 1811 Ruiz St.)
- Salvation Army Center of Hope (Veterans, men only, 1717 Congress St.)
- Star of Hope — Women and Family Development Center (Women and families, 2575 Reed Rd.)
- Salvation Army Jones Family Residence (Women and families, 1603 McGowen St.)
- Salvation Army Young Adult Resource Center (Ages 18-24, 1621 McGowen St.)
- Covenant House Texas (Ages 18-24, 3412 Beulah St.)