Salvation Army of North texas opens cooling stations in five counties as temperatures rise

As triple-digit heat hits North Texas, the Salvation Army of North Texas has reopened its comprehensive heat relief services to residents in need. These services include operating cooling and hydration stations across five counties.

With support from heat relief sponsor, Reliant Energy, 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 will distribute boxed fans through its drive-thru food pantries, with support from partner Westlake Ace Hardware.

Emergency disaster mobile feeding units (canteens) are also being deployed to bring relief directly to vulnerable populations, according to the organization. The Salvation Army, in partnership with Reliant, offers financial assistance to help customers in need pay their utility bills.

Currently, the following locations have activated cooling stations:

• Dallas County: 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
• Denton County: the Denton Corps Community Center
• Collin County: the McKinney Corps Community Center
• Tarrant County: the Arlington Corps Community Center
  • The J.E. & L.E. Mabee Social Service Center is also providing heat relief services through its hydration station.
• Ellis County: Waxahachie Corps Community Center

“The Salvation Army is dedicated to helping alleviate the stresses many North Texans are currently facing,” said Major Paul McFarland, area commander of The Salvation Army of North Texas, in a press release. 

North Texas Area Command has established a threshold for activating heat relief services. This threshold relies on a forecast of 100 degrees or higher, usually for more than one day, or a heat index of more than 105 degrees for over two days in a row.

Visit the Salvation Army’s website to donate to its preparation and relief efforts or find information on cooling shelters.