Dallas is preparing for wintry weather to move across North Texas this weekend. Notices were posted online throughout the day, keeping residents informed of the latest news on city services and safety measures.
The Dallas Office of Homeless Solutions activated its inclement weather shelter Friday at Fair Park in South Dallas at 3 p.m. By 4 p.m., people were lining up in anticipation of what was to come. The city said the shelter will remain open until the inclement weather ends, based on reports from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and in accordance with Chapter 45 of the city code.
For the warm shelter at Fair Park, the city teamed up with Austin Street Center, which then teamed up with OurCalling.
Pastor Wayne Walker is the CEO of OurCalling. He has worked with the homeless community for twenty years. He said inclement weather plans are prepared several months in advance to begin implementation at any moment.
“We have to have a stockpile of resources, we have to have the inventory ready, we have to have the cots ready and all the volunteers ready to jump in when we say ‘go,’” Walker said.
About 250 people were expected to arrive by the end of the reception on Friday night.
“Maybe about 150 more tomorrow, then maybe 100 more every night,” Walker said. “Right now, we're up for about 800 with a little room to expand, and then we'll look at what's plan B if we exceed that.”
Meals, clothing and other necessities are provided at the shelter. A shuttle bus will transport people to the shelter throughout the day.
NBC 5 spoke to a man outside the Fair Park warming center. He said he had no shelter and needed a warm place for the next few days. Goes by the name Hollywood.
“I just jumped in the truck. It's cold outside. I had to get here early because a lot of people will be here today.”
He said he wants to stand in line before the worst weather arrives, to know what it feels like to sleep in subzero temperatures.
“It hurts. There’s so much pain you can’t sleep,” he said.
The city also published a press release for those who rely on public transportation. DART teams are located throughout the region to ensure regular service is not affected during the weather event. Parking lots and walkways at bus and train stations are also being addressed.
Friday morning, TxDOT crews began treating roads throughout seven counties within what is known as the Dallas region. 100 trucks and about 500 crew members spent 30 hours applying the initial brine layer.
Walker said it all boils down to the community working together to keep people safe.
Dallas Storm Weather Shelter reception hours will be 8am-10pm daily.
For more information visit https://dallahomelesssolutions.com/street-outreach/inclement-weather-activation/
