“So if you see someone in need, please let us know, so we can connect with them and potentially get them sheltered for the night,” said Erika Borrego.
SAN ANTONIO — Overnight shelters opened across parts of San Antonio as advocates say freezing temperatures were expected to last more than six hours, prompting them to mobilize resources for people experiencing homelessness.
Local organizations said weather forecasts indicated temperatures would drop below freezing, meeting the threshold to activate overnight warming shelters.
“These resources are lifesaving for our unhoused neighbors and their pets,” said Erika Borrego, president and CEO of Corazon Ministries.
Borrego said her organization has spent weeks monitoring forecasts and preparing for colder conditions. As temperatures dipped, Corazon Ministries coordinated with SAMMinistries, Haven for Hope, Christian Assistance Ministries, the city of San Antonio and Communities Under the Bridge, also known as CUB.
“We know tonight it’s going to get cold enough that we need to provide a safe and warm place for our unhoused neighbors to come in, get a warm meal and sleep,” Borrego said.
Valerie Narvaez, Executive Director of CUB, said coordination among partner organizations began early Saturday morning to ensure shelters and outreach teams were ready.
Two overnight shelters opened at 8 p.m. One is located at Travis Park United Methodist Church in downtown San Antonio, and the other is at CUB on Chestnut Street, just east of downtown.
“If they can just get to the downtown area, we can get them to those shelters and get them inside for the night,” Narvaez said.
The City of San Antonio is not opening city-run shelters but is supporting the effort by sending resources to partner organizations. The city is also activating its homeless connection hotline and deploying outreach teams to help guide people to shelters and assist with staffing.
Advocates said communication and public awareness are critical during severe cold weather events.
“If you see someone in need, please let us know so we can connect with them and potentially get them sheltered for the night,” Borrego said.
The Homeless Connection Hotline is 210-207-1799. Advocates said callers can report individuals in need, and outreach teams will assess the situation and provide transportation when possible.