Mid City Times

Published on June 8, 2024

Texas summers can be brutal, particularly for those without a home. In August 2023, there was a notable increase in deaths among the homeless population. While some fatalities were directly related to the heat, it is believed that heat was a contributing factor in many others. At a fatality review sponsored by the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition, Lt. Sam Greif of the Fort Worth Fire Department’s HOPE team noted that the combination of heat and existing health conditions or drug use can be deadly.

In response, the City of Fort Worth, in collaboration with community partners, has launched the “Heat Heroes for the Homeless” initiative to prevent further heat-related fatalities this summer. The initiative focuses on providing extra resources and education to those most vulnerable to extreme heat.

To address this need, the City is actively identifying and partnering with local organizations to establish and support cooling stations. True Worth Place, Community Crossroads, First Street Mission, and WhenWeLove have extended their hours from 3-6 p.m. on various days of the week to offer people experiencing homelessness a cool space to rest from mid-June through mid-September. These locations will provide access to water, restrooms, and a cool place to avoid the heat.

Additionally, the City’s HOPE Fire unit has conducted training sessions with frontline staff at libraries and community centers on how to identify and respond to heat-related conditions.

Detailed cooling station information:

- True Worth Place: 1513 E Presidio St.

- First Street Mission: 801 W. First St.

- Community Crossroads: 1516 Hemphill St.

- WhenWeLove: 1100 E Lancaster Ave.

Photo caption: Fire Lt. Sam Greif (left) and other HOPE team members assist homeless residents.

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