Houston mayor checks on residents sheltering from bitter cold weather

HOUSTON – As Houston residents brace through a second cold snap, Mayor John Whitmire has been vocal in ensuring unhoused residents are able to stay warm.

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The mayor kept that promise by visiting some of the residents, along with HPD Chief Noe Diaz, at a few of the dozen warming centers, which opened Wednesday evening and will remain open through Friday morning.

While the freezing temperatures are not expected to be a repeat of the snowstorm Houston experienced, Mayor Whitmire nonetheless emphasized the importance of using “common sense” and taking precautions to protect the most vulnerable members of our community; children, pets, senior citizens, and unhoused.

During his visit, the mayor told KPRC 2 in a written statement he wanted to ensure the warming centers were running efficiently and spoke directly with residents to ensure their needs were met.

“I visited three warming centers Wednesday night,” Mayor Whitmire said. “The operation was efficient and welcoming. I want to Thank city employees from parks, the health department, and our first responders for working through the night to address the needs of the most vulnerable individuals and keep them warm and safe in the Arctic blast.”

“It fulfills our commitment to help Houstonians,” he continued. “I have asked my team to keep the 12 warming centers open through Friday morning.”

Here’s a list of the 12 warming centers that remain open until Friday at 8 a.m.

• Acres Homes Multi-Service Center: 6719 W. Montgomery Road
• Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center: 6402 Market Street
• Fifth Ward Multi-Service Center: 4014 Market Street
• Fonde Community Center: 110 Sabine Street
• Kashmere Multi-Service Center: 4802 Lockwood Drive
• Magnolia Multi-Service Center: 7037 Capitol Street
• Metropolitan Multi-Service Center: 1475 W. Gray Street
• Moody Community Center: 3725 Fulton Street
• Northeast Multi-Service Center: 9720 Spaulding Street
• Southwest Multi-Service Center: 6400 High Star Drive
• Sunnyside Multi-Service Center: 4410 Reed Road
• Third Ward Multi-Service Center: 3611 Ennis Street