The Salvation Army of North Texas Provides Vital Heat Relief Services
Region’s largest social services provider offers respite from extreme temperatures across five counties
NORTH TEXAS — In response to temperatures across Dallas-Fort Worth reaching dangerous levels, The Salvation Army of North Texas has activated its comprehensive heat relief services to provide the region’s most vulnerable neighbors respite. This includes operating cooling stations across five counties.
Because The Salvation Army is embedded in the communities it serves, it is able to quickly respond to changes in the weather. For those most at-risk of heat-related illnesses — including seniors, youth, people who have a chronic disease, and those experiencing poverty and homelessness — The Salvation Army of North Texas provides essential resources aimed at meeting several of the community’s needs.
In addition to ensuring our neighbors are safe and cool during the summer months, The Salvation Army’s programs are meant to foster long-term stability and self-sufficiency year-round.
With support from heat relief sponsor, Reliant, The Salvation Army provides hydration, food, and shelter at select cooling stations in Dallas, Collin, Denton, Tarrant, and Ellis counties. At select locations, The Salvation Army, with support from partner, Westlake Ace Hardware, is distributing boxed fans through its drive-thru food pantries.
For families and individuals who may be experiencing lost wages or need help to make ends meet, The Salvation Army provides financial assistance to help customers pay their utility bills. Emergency disaster mobile feeding units (canteens) are also being deployed to bring relief directly to vulnerable populations.
Currently, the following locations have activated cooling stations:
- In Dallas County, the Carr P. Collins Social Service Center, Garland Corps Community Center, Irving Corps Community Center, Oak Cliff Corps Community Center, and Pleasant Grove Corps Community Center are open as cooling stations.
- In Denton County, the Denton Corps Community Center and Lewisville Corps Community Center are open as cooling stations.
- In Collin County, the Plano Corps Community Center and McKinney Corps Community Center are open as cooling stations.
- In Tarrant County, the Arlington Corps Community Center and Northside Corps Community Center are open as cooling stations.
- In Ellis County, the Waxahachie Corps Community Center is open as a cooling station.
Each of these locations follows the guidelines created by their respective cities and counties, but exact protocols may vary. North Texas Area Command has established a threshold for activating heat relief services, which relies on a forecast of 100 degrees or higher, usually for more than one day, or if there’s a heat index of more than 105 degrees for over two days in a row.
“This heat is hard on all of us, but even more those who are struggling financially, physically, or mentally,” said Major Paul McFarland, area commander of The Salvation Army of North Texas. “As the temperature continues to rise, we ask our friends and neighbors to help spread the word on where all those in need in our community can find the assistance they need. Our doors are open for all individuals and families in need of a place to cool down.”
Last year, more than 300 deaths related to the heat were recorded in the state of Texas and it was estimated that there were more than 1,300 in the United States. In the U.S., this statistic is nearly double the number of deaths related to hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods last year, combined. In some areas, unsheltered individuals make up almost half of these deaths, with the other being neighbors who have a place to stay, but not enough resources to live comfortably.
As the largest social services provider in North Texas, The Salvation Army provides year-round support to all those facing poverty, addiction, and homelessness across Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Rockwall, and Tarrant counties. Each year, The Salvation Army of North Texas serves over 80,000 people across 4,078 square miles, feeding more than 10,000 people a week through its 12 food pantries, treating 500 people a week through its three recovery programs, and housing 1,300 people a week through its six shelters and senior living centers.
To donate to The Salvation Army’s preparation and relief efforts or find information on cooling shelters, visit SalvationArmyNTX.org/north-texas/heat-relief.