KILLEEN, Texas — With an "arctic blast" still bringing freezing temperatures to Central Texas, the City of Killeen has partnered with two local organizations to provide those in need with enhanced services through the severe cold.
Beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 16, Skyline Baptist Church, located at 906 Trimmier Road, will be open to serve the community as an enhanced warming center.
The center will be open from 10 a.m. on Jan. 16 to 10 a.m. on Jan. 17.
According to the City of Killeen, food will be provided at the shelter, and the City will provide transportation from the Arts and Activities Center, where the shelter was originally planned to be. Service animals will also be accepted at the church shelter.
Additionally, on nights from Wednesday, Jan. 17 - Friday, Jan. 19, the Families in Crisis shelter, located at 412 East Sprott St. in Killeen, will be open as an enhanced warming center overnight only.
The center will open on Jan. 17 at 8 p.m. and close Thursday, Jan. 18 at 8 a.m. It will then reopen Thursday night at 8 p.m. before closing again at 8 a.m. the next morning.
The City of Killeen said Families in Crisis is also an option for those with long-term housing needs. Families in Crisis can be contacted at (254) 245-8269, with more information on their website here.
City of Killeen buildings are also always open to the public and available as temporary warming centers during regular business hours, said the City, including City Hall, libraries, the Recreation Center and Police Headquarters. Visitors to public facilities must adhere to a code of conduct.
The City of Killeen stated it relies on partnering with organizations to operate warming and cooling centers. If churches or organizations are able and willing to open their facilities and provide volunteers, they can contact the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management at (254) 501-7706.
The City of Killeen encourages residents to stay up-to-date on important information through the City of Killeen website, social media pages, www.Facebook.com/KilleenTexas, www.Instagram.com/CityOfKilleen and www.Twitter.com/CityOfKilleen and by signing up for city alerts at www.killeentexas.gov/alertcenter.
Information on warming or cooling centers across Texas can be found online through the Texas Department of Emergency Management website at https://tdem.texas.gov/warm.
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