Emergency warming shelters across North Texas are beginning to close as temperatures rise, raising concerns among service providers that hundreds of people may soon return to the streets as permanent shelters remain at or near capacity.
In Dallas, the largest emergency warming shelter — operated by Our Calling at Fair Park — is expected to close after this weekend, according to shelter officials. Other warming shelters across the region have already shut down or remain on standby should cold weather return.
Advocates say demand for shelter space remains high despite improving conditions.
“Our occupancy is about 850 people right now,” said Wayne Walker of Our Calling. “Unfortunately, those individuals don’t have anywhere to go once the shelter closes. Most recovery programs, rehabs, housing options, and regular shelters are already full.”
In Fort Worth, city officials confirmed that overflow weather shelters have been operating nightly since freezing conditions began last week. When traditional shelters reach capacity during extreme weather, the city activates overflow locations to ensure individuals are not turned away.
“Our occupancy has been around 757 to 765 people each night,” said Toby Owen of Presbyterian Night Shelter. “It’s been very full, but we’re glad we’ve been able to keep people safe.”
At the height of the cold weather, Fort Worth officials reported sheltering more than 1,200 people in a single night. Similar numbers were reported in Dallas during the coldest stretch.
City officials in both Dallas and Fort Worth said overflow shelters are only activated when emergency weather criteria are met. As conditions improve, those temporary facilities begin to shut down — even though regular shelters remain full.
Shelter operators say closing warming shelters does not eliminate the underlying need.
“So many of these individuals will be returning to the streets,” Walker said. “That’s why continued coordination between city departments, nonprofits, and community partners is critical.”
Local governments say overflow shelters will remain available if temperatures again meet emergency thresholds.
