Please note that this is not 911 nor emergency services. This is 100% volunteer run and there is NO GUARANTEE OF SAFETY. This is not a replacement for emergency services. Please call 911 if you need emergency services. This website was built for the community, by the community.
I need information on...
Food and Water
Crowdsourced Resources
Community list of open grocery stores, free water and free food distribution sites. Use the tabs at the bottom of the sheet to navigate through resources.
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Get information on food, shelter, transportation, financial assistance, and more. Call 2-1-1 or visit their website to begin a chat session. Current wait times are under 15 minutes.
Central Texas Food Bank
Find Food Near You (Must live in Travis County) Due to COVID, you must wear a mask in order to be serviced.
Shelters/Warming centers
The City has opened warming centers for those vulnerable Austinites who have gone without power, heat, or water. These are subject to change. For the latest please call 512-305-4233. Bring food and blankets if you go to a warming center or shelter. Warming center and shelter locations sometimes have been moved out of areas because of lost water or power.
UT Students: Visit https://emergency.utexas.edu/ for up-to-date information on warming centers, dining venues, and Student Emergency Services.
Northeast High School and Webb Middle School are currently not shelters because of water and power outages.
City Shelters
The Palmer Events Center
900 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, TX
Google maps linkAT CAPACITY. NOT ACCEPTING NEW GUESTS.
Del Valle High School
5201 Ross Rd. Del Valle, TX
HOME Center of Central Texas, Hays County. Call 512-270-8344 to confirm availability.
Google maps linkSouthside Community Center
518 S. Guadalupe St. San Marcos, TX
Call 512-557-0795 to confirm availability.
Google maps linkSalvation Army
300 S. CM Allen Pkwy., Ste. 100, San Marcos, TX
Call 512-938-2596 to confirm availability.
Google maps linkWestover Baptist Church
1310 Advance St. San Marcos, TX
Call 512-214-2258 to confirm availability.
Google maps linkHays Hills Baptist Church
1401 N. FM 1626 Buda, TX
Call 512-295-3132 or 512-845-3864 to confirm availability.
Google maps linkDripping Springs United Methodist Church
28900 RR 12, Dripping Springs, TX
Call 512-894-7123 to confirm availability.
Google maps linkKyle United Methodist Church
408 W. Lockhart St. Kyle, TX
Call 512-415-6708 to confirm availability.
Google maps linkFirst Baptist Church of Wimberley
15961 Winters Mill Pkwy. Wimberley, TX
Call 432-634-2364 to confirm availability.
Google maps linkCalvary Chapel
204 N. Main St. Lockhart, TX
Call 512-227-0147 to confirm availability.
Google maps linkBarrington Elementary School
400 Cooper Dr, Austin, TX
Low water pressure in the bathroom at this location, may want to consider other locations
Google maps linkChurch Shelters (Open 24/7)
Point Community Church
11300 Old San Antonio Rd, Manchaca, TX
Pet accommodations - must be crated
Google maps linkFriendship Creekside
14455 Farm to Market Rd 1826, Austin, TX
Pet accommodations - must be crated
Google maps linkHill Country Bible Church Lakeline
12124 Ranch Rd 620 N, Austin, TX
Pet accommodations - must be crated
Google maps linkUniversity Ave Church of Christ
1903 University Ave, Austin, TX 78705
Pet accommodations - must be crated
Google maps linkOther Shelters
In home safety
Power safety
How can I heat up in the car?
- Do not run your car inside the garage.
- Do not be in your car for long periods of time.
- Leave windows cracked when being in the car for warmth.
Can I use my stove for heat?
- Never use your oven for heating. It can be deadly through carbon monoxide poisoning.
How can I stay warm with poor insulation?
- Close all blinds and curtains.
- Cover your windows with blankets and/or towels and put towels/clothes underneath your door.
- Pile together with members of the family with as many blankets as you have.
- Create a fort like structure with blankets.
- Wear one to two layers of light clothing. This will allow for your body heat to radiate.
How do I prevent a system overload if I don’t have power?
- Turn off thermostats and appliances.
- Shut off or unplug any fixtures that are connected
- Leave only one light on to know when the power is back on.
Water safety
I have water. Is there anything I need to do?
- Still boil your water, if you are able, for at least one minute.
What do I do if my pipes are frozen and I need water?
- As an emergency measure, if no other water is available, snow can be melted for water according to the CDC. Bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute will kill most germs but won’t get rid of chemicals sometimes found in snow. If boiling snow for water, try capturing the freshest snow and avoid snow from roads, drains, or similar locations.
- If you cannot boil water/ice because you’re without power/gas, and you don’t have water to drink, get to a friend or family member’s house and take COVID precautions, or get to a shelter if needed
What do I do if my pipes have burst?
- If pipes at your home have burst, turn off your water at the cut-off valve. If you are unable to locate your valve call 512-972-1000 for assistance.
How do I report a leak or outage?
- See if a report has already been made using the Water Leak Response Map. If the leak/outage has not been reported, call 512-972-1000 immediately.
City Resources
The City of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) plans and prepares for emergencies, educates the public about preparedness, develops volunteers, manages grant funding to improve homeland security and public safety capabilities, coordinates emergency response and recovery, supports planned events, and works with public and partner organizations to protect our whole community when it needs us the most.
Visit the city website to learn more about severe cold weather resources and information.
Helpful contact info
| Need | Contact info |
|---|---|
| Shelter Information | 512-305-4233 |
| Transportation to a Shelter | 3-1-1 or email coaemergencyrides@austintexas.gov Provide your name, phone number, address, number of people needing transport and medical needs. |
| If your water main is broken | 512-972-1000 |
| Emergency Food | 2-1-1 |
| Medical or Life Threatening Emergency | 9-1-1 |
| Shelter Information |
| 512-305-4233 |
| Transportation to a Shelter |
| 3-1-1 or email coaemergencyrides@austintexas.gov Provide your name, phone number, address, number of people needing transport and medical needs. |
| If your water main is broken |
| 512-972-1000 |
| Emergency Food |
| 2-1-1 |
| Medical or Life Threatening Emergency |
| 9-1-1 |
Community Resources
Little Petal Alliance
A queer-led organization providing on the spot support to unhoused and trans folx.
Survive 2 Thrive
24/7 hotline for domestic violence survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic and winter storm. (512) 308-6028.
Free Food & Water Available Today
Document with several food and water resources, as well as details on what restaurants are open.
Warm Housing ATX Facebook Group
Informal Facebook group where community can crowdsource housing options together.
Austin Diapers
Org that partners with over 30 local agencies to provide diapers to the community. If you need diapers, contact one of the agencies on their website.
Donation links
Community Resilience Trust
This donation campaign is to help people currently experiencing homelessness. Funding for this organization goes to paying for the hotels of those that are unhoused during the winter storm. Funding also goes to meals and water needed during the winter storm.
Austin Area Urban League
This donation campaign is to help residents that are housed needing resources to food, water, emergency essential items and more.
Copyright 2021 Austin Cold Relief. For community, by community.