On Saturday, January 1, The Salvation Army of North Texas helped around three hundred people beat the frigid temperatures by offering comfort in their warming shelters. According to NBC DFW, The Salvation Army of North Texas promises that “no one will be turned away.”
The website for Texas Is Life mentioned that at the end of 2021, the Dallas Cowboys teamed up with Whataburger to present The Salvation Army of North Texas with a $155,000 donation. The gracious gift was welcomed by the organization that helps those without homes.
Executive Director for Adult and Family Programs for North Texas Salvation Army Beckie Wach stated, “We opened up our warming shelters in Plano, Denton, Lewisville, McKinney, and Garland.” The shelters provide jackets, coats, cots, a hot meal, bottles of water, coffee, other hot drinks, and a chance to offer their other resources to those in need.
Not only does The Salvation Army provide warming shelters, but they also have case managers and social workers among their team to help guide families into a permanent home. “Anytime we’re offering warm shelters, it gives us an opportunity to reach out on a deeper level with folks and making sure they understand the resources that we do have,” Wach explained.
The public can help those in need by spreading the news when they notice someone that could use a warm place to rest and enjoy a hot meal. “If you’re out shopping and about, and you see someone in their car or on the corner of the street, just encourage them to go to a center and get help because we want them to stay warm tonight,” Wach said.
According to The Salvation Army website, its warming shelters are open when temperatures drop to thirty-six degrees or below.
Collin County has two locations. One is at 3528 East 14th Street in Plano and is open overnight Monday through Friday. The phone number there is 972-423-8254. The other is located at 600 Wilson Creek Parkway in McKinney, and the phone number is 972-542-6694.
Denton County has two warming shelters as well. One is at 1508 East McKinney Street in Denton, and the phone number is 940-566-3800. The other one is at 206 West Main Street in Lewisville, and the number is 972-353-9400.
The shelter in Dallas County is at 451 West Avenue D in Garland, and you can reach them at 972-353-9400.
According to CBS DFW, “The Salvation Army of North Texas said they are prepared to serve in other areas of North Texas as the need arises, with multiple other locations on standby.”
Other organizations around North Texas offer shelter as well, including Union Gospel Mission Dallas, located at 3211 Irving Boulevard in Dallas. The phone number is 214-637-6117. This shelter provides space for families.
The organization accepts donations of food, coats, and blankets. Items can be dropped off at Calvert Place Men’s Shelter at 3211 Irving Boulevard in Dallas, Monday through Saturday, from 8:30 am until 5:00 pm.