North Texas warming shelters begin closing as temperatures rise

Fears that hundreds may be forces onto the streets as shelters close

Emergency warming shelters across North Texas are beginning to wind down operations as temperatures rise.

The weather shift that has service providers worried that hundreds of people may soon be forced back onto the streets while permanent shelters remain full, according to reporting by The Dallas Express.

In Dallas, the largest emergency warming shelter — run by OurCalling at Fair Park — is expected to close after this weekend, according to shelter officials, who told The Dallas Express. Several other temporary shelters across North Texas have already closed or are on standby in case another cold front arrives.

Advocates say the need for safe indoor space remains acute despite the improving weather.

“Our occupancy is about 850 people right now,” said Wayne Walker of OurCalling. “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,” Walker told the newspaper.

In Fort Worth, city officials confirmed that overflow weather shelters have been activated nightly since freezing temperatures began last week. These facilities open when traditional shelters reach capacity during extreme weather, ensuring no one is 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,” he told the outlet.

At the height of the cold snap, Fort Worth sheltered more than 1,200 people in a single night, with Dallas reporting similarly high numbers.

Officials in both cities emphasized that overflow shelters only operate when emergency weather thresholds are met. As conditions improve, these temporary facilities begin to close — even as permanent shelters remain stretched beyond capacity.

Shelter operators warn that shutting down warming centers does nothing to address the underlying crisis.

“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 reopen if temperatures again meet emergency criteria.