Corazon San Antonio’s Day Center will turn into a 24/7 shelter this weekend, serving up hot meals, sleeping quarters and housing help.
SAN ANTONIO — Frigid temperatures are expected to take over the Alamo City this weekend, which has triggered a coalition of nonprofit organizations to activate warming centers and emergency outreach efforts to protect the city’s most vulnerable residents.
Among those stepping up is Corazon San Antonio, which will convert its downtown Day Center into a 24/7 emergency shelter beginning Saturday morning. The shelter downtown is expected to serve at least 150 individuals each day through early next week, offering warm meals, beds and a safe place to escape the cold.
Brandon Johnson knows what it’s like braving the extreme elements after spending the last four years on the streets. But he’s been resilient throughout his struggles and hopes to soon get back up on his feet with the help of organizations like Corazon SA.
“It’s hard,” he said. “People don’t have family they can call or anybody they can turn to or talk to,” Johnson said. “We’re waiting on the cold weather to come through and pull our jackets out. I’ve been homeless for a while, but it’s turning over. God’s been making a turnover for me.”
Now volunteering at Corazon San Antonio, Johnson is helping others in similar situations prepare for the incoming cold.
“Keeping them light, hey, come get warm, come eat, come feel the welcome they have here at Corazon,” Johnson said.
Corazon’s efforts are a part of a broader coalition of nonprofits that includes SAMMinistries, Haven for Hope, Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM), Communities Under the Bridge (CUB) and other partners from the Alliance to House Everyone. Together, they have been tracking weather forecasts for weeks and coordinating shelter capacity and outreach.
“We know this is a life-saving effort,” said Erika Borrego with Corazon San Antonio. “Encouraging people to come indoors, and we will open multiple shelters to handle the inflow of people who want to come inside.”
Borrego said Corazon will not only provide shelter and meals but also offer support services that extend beyond the immediate emergency.
“This is an opportunity not only for them to stay safe through this winter weather, but also to connect with our staff so we can potentially get them on a housing list and find more stable housing opportunities,” Borrego said.
In addition to Corazon’s efforts, SAMMinistries announced it will deploy outreach teams from Saturday, January 24 through Monday, January 26, distributing winter weather gear and providing transportation to overnight warming shelters for individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
“These emergency responses highlight both the urgent needs of our unhoused neighbors and the pressing demand for long-term housing solutions in our city,” said Nikisha J. Baker, President and CEO of SAMMinistries. “We’re grateful for our partners who have come together in this time of need.”
Corazon’s 24/7 shelter, located at 504 Avenue East will open at 10 a.m. Saturday and remain operational through early afternoon Tuesday.