The Salvation Army opens cooling stations in response to heat

Dallas, Texas - The Salvation Army has announced the commencement of its comprehensive initiative to tackle the intense summer heat, according to Dallas Metro News.

This initiative involves the careful establishment of cooling stations across a network encompassing five counties, along with the organized provision of water and box fans at selected locations.

These specifically-designed cooling posts, located in Dallas, Denton, Collin, Tarrant, and Ellis counties, will function as refuges from the heat, providing essential shade and hydration to those vulnerable to the hazardous conditions precipitated by the intense heat. However, it is crucial to mention that operational specifics and guidelines may vary, depending on the city and county they are based in.

To provide more detail, the cooling stations will be situated in the following places:

• Dallas County will host these stations at 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.
• In Denton County, facilities are located at Denton Corps Community Center and Lewisville Corps Community Center.
• In Collin County, cooling assistance is offered at Plano Corps Community Center and McKinney Corps Community Center.
• Tarrant County houses the Arlington Corps Community Center, and the J.E. & L.E. Mabee Social Service Center provides heat relief through its mobile canteen.
• In Ellis County, the Waxahachie Corps Community Center stands prepared to assist.

The operational timings of these cooling stations are determined by weather forecasts predicting temperatures of 100 degrees or above, usually spanning more than a day, or when the heat index exceeds a scorching 105 degrees for at least two consecutive days.

In alignment with its unwavering commitment to lend a helping hand to those in need, The Salvation Army has also revealed plans to deploy emergency disaster mobile feeding units, informally known as “canteens”. These units are tasked with providing immediate relief to vulnerable populations. Moreover, monetary assistance will be extended to families suffering wage losses and grappling with the looming threat of utility disconnection.

“The heat can cause more despair for North Texans still being affected by inflation, rising costs, and lingering effects of the pandemic. The Salvation Army is providing aid at a time when North Texans are facing continued hardship,” remarked Major Paul McFarland, area commander of The Salvation Army of North Texas.

“As the need continues, The Salvation Army will provide necessary resources to keep individuals cool and safe, families in their homes, and financial support for those struggling, as well as prepare our children for success in school.”

To contribute to The Salvation Army’s preparatory and relief efforts or seek information on cooling shelters, please visit SalvationArmyNTX.org.