The Salvation Army delivers heat relief services

North Texas—In response to extreme temperatures across North Texas, The Salvation Army has activated its comprehensive heat relief services to provide the region’s most vulnerable population with essential resources for operating in the heat. Cooling and hydration stations are open across the areas The Salvation Army of North Texas serves.

The Salvation Army can quickly respond to changes in the weather due to being embedded in North Texas communities. In addition to ensuring our neighbors are safe and cool during the summer months, The Salvation Army’s programs are meant to foster long-term stability and self-sufficiency year-round.

In 2024, the Dallas-Fort Worth area experienced temperatures over 100 degrees for 23 days of the year, and over 350 heat related deaths in Texas alone the year prior. The Salvation Army of North Texas aims to minimize this number by providing life-saving resources throughout the season, especially for those most at-risk of heat-related illnesses — including seniors, youth, people who have a chronic disease, and those experiencing poverty and homelessness.

The Salvation Army provides hydration, food, and shelter at select cooling stations and hydration stations in Dallas, Collin, Denton, Tarrant, and Ellis counties.

For families and individuals who may be experiencing lost wages or need help to make ends meet, The Salvation Army provides financial assistance to help customers pay their utility bills. Emergency disaster mobile feeding units (canteens) are also being deployed to bring relief directly to vulnerable populations.

Currently, the following locations have activated heat relief initiatives:

Dallas County:

Garland Corps Community Center

Irving Corps Community Center

Oak Cliff Corps Community Center

Pleasant Grove Corps Community Center 

Carr P. Collins Social Service Center (hydration station)

Denton County:

Denton Corps Community Center

Collin County:

McKinney Corps Community Center

Tarrant County:

Arlington Corps Community Center

J.E. & L.E. Mabee Social Service Center (hydration station)

Ellis County:

Waxahachie Corps Community Center. 

Each of these locations follows the guidelines created by their respective cities and counties, but exact protocols may vary. North Texas Area Command has established a threshold for activating heat relief services, which relies on a forecast of 100 degrees or higher, usually for more than one day, or if there’s a heat index of more than 105 degrees for over two days in a row.

“We’re here with the goal of providing relief from these extreme temperatures to our most vulnerable neighbors in need, while supplying them with emotional and spiritual care,” said Major Carolyn Webb, area commander of The Salvation Army of North Texas. “The Salvation Army of North Texas aims to reach as many people as we can, with our doors open for all individuals and families seeking assistance.”

Heat is the #1 weather-related cause of death in the U.S. Unsheltered individuals are more at risk due to being more vulnerable to heat stress factors like reduced sheltering locations, shaded areas, and proper resources.

As the largest social services provider in North Texas, The Salvation Army provides year-round support to all those facing poverty, addiction, and homelessness across Dallas, Rockwall, Tarrant, Ellis, Denton, and Collin counties. Its four shelters, two senior living facilities, and two in-shelter addiction recovery centers are housing 1,300 people per night, 12 food pantries are feeding 10,000 people per week, and three recovery programs are treating 500 people per week.

To donate to The Salvation Army’s preparation and relief efforts or find information on hydration stations, visit SalvationArmyNTX.org/north-Texas/heat-relief.

SOURCE The Salvation Army of North Texas