FORT WORTH, Texas — There is some relief for residents who are having a tough time dealing with the triple-digit temperatures and the heat wave across North Texas.
The Salvation Army is activating 13 cooling stations for anyone who needs to take a break from the heat to cool off. The cooling stations also have plenty of water to keep visitors hydrated.
Summertime in North Texas can be brutal.
Finding ways to beat the heat is becoming part of a daily routine for many. However, relief in this weather is a greater challenge for families living without working fans or air conditioners.
"These folks are hot. This super oppressive heat that we’re under right now, with high heat and high humidity, makes it very difficult for them to stay in their homes," Assistant Chief Holmer Robertson of the Fort Worth Fire Department said.
Fort Worth firefighters, police and a team of community partners spent Wednesday installing new air conditioner units in the homes of some seniors and veterans.
”These heat sweltering days, it’s really been tricky for me," Raquel Dixon said.
The team of city workers and community organizers surprised Dixon with a donated air conditioner. The group installed the unit in the home she inherited from her grandmother.
Feeling cool air circulating in the house for the first time, in a long time was emotional.
"Words, alone, can’t express how thankful I am, because my grandmother had some hot days here. So it’s going to be great. Thank you," Dixon explained.
The team also installed an air conditioner in Sylvia Allen’s home.
”I did not expect none of this,” Allen told the group as she shared hugs.
The window unit was a welcome surprise for the Allen family, knowing the triple-digit heat index is expected to hover for days.
The Salvation Army Cooling Stations are especially helpful for anyone without an air conditioner and those who work outside.
The following Cooling Stations will be open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Salvation Army Homeless Shelter:
5302 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, Texas
The Salvation Army Homeless Shelter:
1855 E. Lancaster Avenue
Fort Worth, Texas
Cooling Stations will also be at 11 Salvation Army community centers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays only at these locations:
Pleasant Grove:
8341 Elam Rd.
Dallas, TX 75217
Denton:
1508 East McKinney Street
Denton, TX 76201
Irving:
250 East Grauwyler Road
Irving, TX 75061
McKinney:
600 Wilson Creek Pkwy
McKinney, TX 75069
Arlington:
712 W. Abram Street
Arlington, TX 76013
Oak Cliff:
1617 W. Jefferson Blvd
Dallas, TX 75208
Garland:
451 W. Ave D
Garland, TX 75040
Lewisville:
206 W. Main Street
Lewisville, TX 75057
Plano:
3528 E. 14th Street
Plano, TX 75074
Northside Corps (N. Fort Worth):
3023 NW 24th St
Fort Worth, TX
The Salvation Army, Ellis County:
620 Farley St.
Waxahachie, TX 75165