City activates overnight cold weather shelters for Friday

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The city of Austin will activate its overnight cold weather shelters Friday, due to temperatures forecasted to be in the mid-30s going into Saturday, the city said in a news release Thursday.

The city said the Homeless Strategy Office can decide to activate shelters "up to one day in advance and no later than 9 a.m. each day."

"Shelters will open when forecasted overnight temperatures at Camp Mabry are expected to reach 35 degrees or below," the city said.

Those seeking shelter can register between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday at One Texas Center (OTC), located at 505 Barton Springs Road, according to the city.

Bus routes to One Texas Center include lines 1, 7, 10, 20, 30, 105, 142 and 801, according to the city. Anyone who cannot pay the fare will still be able to ride.

Pets are allowed at the shelters if they are not aggressive, leashed and can sleep with their owners. Anyone with a car can come to the One Texas Center, check in and take their vehicle to the shelter they’re staying at.

The city said the cold weather shelters are “primarily accessed by people experiencing homelessness.” However, anyone who needs a warm place to stay for the night is also welcome.

For more information on the shelters, call the cold weather shelter hotline at (512) 972-5055.