AUSTIN (KXAN) — With the hottest temperatures of the year expected just days away, the city of Austin is trying to get more people experiencing homelessness inside.
The Trinity Center along with St. David’s Episcopal Church partnered with the city and the city’s Homeless Strategies Office to launch a Cooling Center Pilot Project.
“Heat strokes, people coming in with heat rashes. It’s very uncomfortable and dangerous for a person to be just sitting outside in this weather,” said Trinity Center Executive Director Christian Rodriguez.
The cooling center is located within St. David’s at 304 E. Seventh Street. Trinity Center is a social service organization dedicated to serving the unhoused community.
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The Trinity Center said anywhere from 300 to 350 people come in and out of their doors per day. (Photo: KXAN) -
The Trinity Center said anywhere from 300 to 350 people come in and out of their doors per day. (Photo: KXAN) -
The Trinity Center said anywhere from 300 to 350 people come in and out of their doors per day. (Photo: KXAN)
The center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. through Sept. 30.
“An air conditioned space, some showers, clean clothes, as well as cooling supplies,” Rodriguez said. “Sunscreen, fans, hats, as well as a meal.”
Rodriguez said they’ve served more than 2,000 people since expanding their hours in July.
“Next summer, hopefully there will be two more, three more other organizations or churches around the whole city that can serve at this capacity for this community,” Rodriguez said.
Organizers stressed the need for more volunteers to help with food and clothing distribution, meal preparation and front desk support. People are encouraged to sign up online at their volunteer page.
Along with volunteers, Rodriguez said they need more donations for things like hot weather clothing and supplies, food donations and water.
‘Trust with the folks’
This adds to dozens of other cooling centers throughout Austin.
The city’s online map lists more than 40 other locations. Many of those are libraries and recreation centers.
Rodriguez said what makes them different is their experience with the unhoused community.
“For 25 years, [we] have been serving this community. We’ve built a lot of rapport and trust with the folks that we serve.”
Christian Rodriguez, Trinity Center Executive Director
‘Treat you with respect’
Many people who come to the center called this more than just protection from the heat.
“I’m here almost every day. Treat you with respect in here. They don’t look at your situation or anything. They just try to help you improve yourself,” said Kelvin Campbell, a guest at the center.
Jose Rafael Diaz said this is a home away from home.
“The staff is great, like I said, and they take care of us,” Diaz said. “They offer us the services that you can’t find out there anywhere else.”