Here’s a list of warming shelters in the Brazos Valley

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - There are only a few places in the Brazos Valley where residents in need of warmth can seek shelter.

REED ARENA AT TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

A warming center at Reed Arena will open at 4 p.m. Tuesday for individuals and families in the community impacted by power outages.

The facility is being warmed to 70 degrees to assist those who wish to seek shelter from the cold. At this time, the American Red Cross and Brazos Valley Food Bank are providing snacks, water, and blankets. No cots are available at this time.

The facility is expected to remain open through noon Thursday, Feb. 18. Please park in either lot 102 or 100 and enter at the main entrance to Reed Arena (Look for “Reed Arena” sign on the building side facing Kyle Field).

Anyone considering relocation to the shelter should do so before 9 p.m. tonight as continued freezing rain is expected.

Face-coverings for wearing indoors is required. Physical distancing measures remain in effect due to COVID-19. No pets are allowed in Reed Arena (please make arrangements for your pets to stay safe while you are not at home). Bathrooms are functional, and seating is available.

Please use extreme caution if relocating.

A.J. Renold, Executive Director of the Heart of Texas Chapter of the American Red Cross, says a lot of effort went into getting the warming center open, including a generous offer from Texas A&M University.

“We have been wanting to help. Everybody has been wanting to find a solution,” said Renold. “The real problem was a facility, and so for A&M to step up and open their doors to Reed Arena is really amazing.”

Two Texas A&M University students were grateful for the warming center opening. Before arriving at Reed Arena, Emmeline & Abigail Blevins spent 30 hours in their apartment without heat and electricity. They say they’re glad to be in a better situation.

“We were not looking forward to tonight back at our apartment,” said Emmeline. Having somewhere to stay that’s warmer was a really good surprise.”

Everyone at the warming center was not looking for a place to get warm; for some volunteers like Texas A&M University freshman Greyson Ratcliff he just wanted to help out. He says he was fortunate to have power and heat still, so it just made sense to come out and help others.

“I wanted to give back,” said Ratcliff. “I thought it was an excellent opportunity to show the love I have for these people and just the ability to serve.”

Renold says the Red Cross, along with the Brazos Valley Food Bank, is providing the necessities that you might need like a mask, blankets, snacks, and water. All you need to do is show up.

“It’s not a hotel situation; we do not have cots in this facility right now,” said Renold. “It’s sitting with chairs, tables, and then possibly seating in Reed arena, so don’t expect a lot of amenities at all, but it is a warm place to stay.”

NAVASOTA

The Progressie Outreach enter is opening the doors for anyone seeking shelter, according to the Navasota Examiner. Please bring your own blankets and pillows. It is located at 915 W Virginia Street. Please call James Harris at 936-825-4846 for more information.

TWIN CITY MISSION IN BRYAN

Twin City Mission, a homeless shelter based in Bryan, currently has some room available. The organization says it is not operating as a warming center but does have available room at its 129-bed facility. At noon Tuesday, there were 40 clients residing there, and there were only four rooms available in its family wing. Anyone seeking shelter at this facility will be required to register as a client and resident of the facility. For additional information call 979-822-1492 to ask about availability before showing up. Masks are required at the shelter, no pets are allowed, and drugs, alcohol, and weapons are not permitted.

Twin City Mission is located at 410 S Randolph Ave, in Bryan.

CITY OF HUNTSVILLE

The city of Huntsville has opened an additional warming shelter at the Huntsville Public Library Community Room. The county’s first warming shelter that opened Sunday at 455 State Highway 75 is nearing capacity. To register call 936-435-8035. Masks are required.

CITY OF FRANKLIN - PRIDGEON COMMUNITY CENTER

The Pridgeon Community Center is back open starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday. The Bremond Fire Department is also available as a warming center. The Robertson County Sheriff’s Office says if you are stuck at home and need transportation call 979-828-3299 and RCSO dispatch will take your information and have someone contact you back.

If you are planning to stay over night at the Pridgeon Center you will need to check in by 6pm and you will need to bring your own bedding, the center is set up only to provide a place to stay warm. Small pets are allowed but must be crated, they can not run loose!

CITY OF HEARNE

• Eastside Park Club House: 405 Norwood Lane
• Teal Center: 1302 Milton Street

LEON COUNTY

Leon County has opened warming centers in Buffalo and Centerville. These are warming centers only. Please understand that these are for people with no power or heat. No food or beds are available. You must provide your own bed and blanket and enough snacks and water for 2 to 3 days. The Buffalo centers are located at the Leon County Senior Center behind the Community Center, the new City Hall Civic Center, and the Lower Junior High School gymnasium. The Centerville location is at the Leon County Senior Center on Lassiter Street in Centerville. If you still have heat, stay at home and off the highway.

ACROSS TEXAS

Click here to find other warming centers across Texas.

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