Preparing for Extreme Heat - 2025
We will use this page to post and share information about upcoming extreme heat and resources for people experiencing homelessness as it becomes available.
The Coalition for the Homeless (CFTH) as designated coordinator to The Way Home Continuum of Care (CoC) works with local governmental entities to advocate on behalf of people experiencing homelessness to ensure their needs are being considered as extreme heat affects our region.
We will make frequent updates as we receive information. Please check back often for the latest information.
Last updated Wednesday, May 20th, @ 11:00 a.m.
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During a declared Public Health Heat Emergency Plan, people in the City of Houston without adequate transportation to a designated cooling center can call 3-1-1 to request a free ride from METRO. Transportation is only to and from the cooling centers; transportation to other locations is unavailable.
To find out whether the Public Health Heat Emergency Plan has been activated, visit the City of Houston Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Website.
Cooling Centers
City of Houston
Houston libraries and multi-service centers will function as cooling centers during normal business hours. The Central Library Downtown is unavailable as a cooling center. Community centers operated by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department will open to the public after conclusion of daily programming for enrolled participants. For updated information visit their website - https://www.houstonoem.org/extreme-heat/
Harris County
With the continued extreme heat, the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management has activated its Heat Plan. The Harris County Public Library (HCPL) system will open the lobby, meeting rooms, and restrooms at the branches to serve as cooling centers. Dependent on weather changes, HCPL may close early or not open.
A map displaying these locations is available at www.readyharris.org. Click here for the most up-to-date information regarding HCPL cooling centers, locations, and hours. Days and hours of operation may vary daily by location.
Harris County cooling center operations.
Precinct 2
During the summer months, residents can access the nine cooling centers that Precinct 2 has open. For updated information visit their website - https://www.hcp2.com/News/Cooling-Centers
Protective Actions
Prolonged exposure to extreme heat without proper hydration and other precautionary actions may result in heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
For more information on keeping yourself, your family, and your pets safe during extreme heat, visit: https://www.houstonemergency.org/extreme-heat-tips-to-stay-cool/
Local Emergency Management Authorities
For information about whether local jurisdictions will be opening cooling centers.
| Jurisdiction | Website |
|---|---|
| City of Houston | https://www.houstonoem.org/ |
| City of Pasadena | https://www.pasadenatx.gov/185/Emergency-Management |
| Harris County | https://www.readyharris.org/ |
| Montgomery County | https://mctxoem.org/ |
| Fort Bend County | https://fbcoem.org/ |
For the latest forecast, visit https://www.weather.gov/forecastmaps
Extreme Heat Q&A
What does the homeless response system do to prepare for the upcoming extreme heat?
- CFTH works with local government agencies, including the City of Houston and Harris County, as well as partner agencies of The Way Home Continuum of Care to ensure that people living unsheltered (on the streets) are informed about and protected from the extreme heat.
- Outreach teams — the front-line staff who interact with people living unsheltered (i.e., on the streets or in encampments) — spread the word that we are likely to be hit by extreme heat and hand out hot weather supplies (bottled water, handheld fans, cooling towels, sunscreen, etc.) and offer rides to cooling centers when possible.
I would like to help.
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CFTH serves as an administrative agency, providing leadership and coordination to local direct service providers.
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For Local Homeless Response Agencies
Operations Updates
If you would like us to include information on this page about your agency's operations during the extreme heat, please send that information to Fryda at fryda.ochoa@cfthhouston.org.
