Austin Activates Overnight Cold Weather Shelters

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The city of Austin is opening cold weather shelters overnight on Monday as a sharp cold front sends temperatures plunging across Central Texas. Registration for the shelters will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at One Texas Center, with CapMetro providing transportation to the overnight shelter location. The shelters are primarily used by people experiencing homelessness, but are open to anyone who needs a warm place to stay overnight.

Why it matters

Providing access to warm, safe shelter is critical during extreme cold weather events, especially for vulnerable populations like those experiencing homelessness. Austin's cold weather shelter program helps ensure all residents have a place to stay safe and avoid the health risks associated with exposure to freezing temperatures.

The details

The city's cold weather shelters are typically activated when the overnight forecast calls for temperatures of 35 degrees or colder. Families with children and unaccompanied minors seeking shelter can also receive help coordinating overnight lodging through the city's cold weather shelter plan. Riders can board CapMetro routes 1, 7, 10, 20, 30, 105 and 801 to get to the registration site even if they can't pay the fare.

• The cold weather shelters will open on Monday, March 16, 2026.
• Registration for the shelters will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

What’s next

The city's Cold Weather Shelter Hotline at 512-972-5055 and website at AustinTexas.gov/Alerts provide more information about shelter access and availability.