KILLEEN, Texas (Nov. 26, 2023) – The City of Killeen is opening the Killeen Arts and Activities Center as a warming center for those in need overnight from 8p.m. tonight, Sunday, Nov. 26 to 8a.m. on Monday, Nov. 27.
The Killeen Arts and Activities Center is located at 801 North 4th Street in Killeen (Street entrance doors are located at 116 East Sprott Street). If no one is utilizing the service by 11:30p.m., the warming center will close.
City warming centers are set up to offer temporary relief from the cold, so no beds or showers are provided. The City of Killeen’s policy is to open a warming center if the temperature or wind chill factor is forecasted to fall below 32 degrees. After checking with the National Weather Service, the decision is made as early as possible, and no later than 3p.m. on the day an overnight center would be opened.
As a reminder, City of Killeen buildings are always open to the public and available for warming (and cooling off) during each facility’s normal business hours. Those buildings include City Hall, libraries, the Recreation Center, Police Headquarters, etc. The city requires all community members and visitors at our public facilities to adhere to a code of conduct.
The City relies on partnering with organizations to operate warming and cooling centers, so if organizations like churches or community groups are able and willing to open their facilities and provide volunteers during the center’s operational hours, they can contact the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management at (254) 501-7706.
Citizens who would like to donate water, can drop it off at any Killeen Fire Station and let them know it is for the warming center. City Staff will distribute those donations.
In order to provide a safe environment for community members who use this service, all other donations must follow these guidelines:
- Food is required to be in original packaging, not past posted expiration date and does not require heating
- Blankets must be brand new, odor free, and in original packaging
Unfortunately, this center will not accept the following:
- New or Used (including gently used) toys, clothing, stuffed animals, bedding, or candy
- Gift wrapped items
- New or used medical supplies or equipment
Stay up to date on our website, www.KilleenTexas.gov, social media platforms (www.Facebook.com/KilleenTexas) and by signing up for city alerts at www.killeentexas.gov/alertcenter. Receive additional updates for emergency information by signing up for the City’s Emergency CODERED system at www.KilleenTexas.gov/ohsem.
All Texas residents can also check the Texas Department of Emergency Management webpage at https://tdem.texas.gov/warm for daily information on where a warming or cooling center is located anywhere in the state. It is updated daily.