Mayor Whitmire Announces Expanded Cooling Centers and Drive-Thru Distribution Points Amid Heat Wave

Additional Resources Available for Houstonians on Wednesday, July 10

Jo-Carolyn Goode | 7/12/2024, 12:56 p.m.
In response to the scorching summer temperatures, Mayor John Whitmire has announced the opening of additional cooling centers across Houston …

 In response to the scorching summer temperatures, Mayor John Whitmire has announced the opening of additional cooling centers across Houston on Wednesday, July 10. These centers will provide much-needed relief for residents seeking refuge from the intense heat.

Stay Cool, Houston: Expanded Cooling Centers

To ensure the well-being of Houstonians during this heatwave, the City of Houston is taking proactive measures by establishing more cooling centers. These centers will offer a safe, air-conditioned environment for those without access to cooling in their homes. Residents are encouraged to utilize these centers to avoid heat-related illnesses and stay hydrated.

Drive-Thru Distribution: Water and Ice for All

In addition to the cooling centers, the City has also set up multiple drive-thru distribution points where residents can collect essential supplies such as water and ice. These drive-thru locations will operate throughout the day on Wednesday, July 10, ensuring that everyone in need has access to these vital resources.

How to Find Your Nearest Cooling Center and Distribution Point

For the latest information on the locations of cooling centers and drive-thru distribution points, residents can visit the City of Houston's official website or follow updates on the City's social media channels. The aim is to make it as convenient as possible for residents to find and access these life-saving resources.

Stay Informed and Safe

Mayor Whitmire urges all Houstonians to take the necessary precautions during this heatwave. "Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our residents. We are committed to providing the resources needed to help everyone stay cool and hydrated during these extreme temperatures," said Mayor Whitmire.

Community Support and Togetherness

The Mayor also emphasized the importance of community support. "Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and those with medical conditions, to ensure they are safe and have access to cooling and hydration," he added.

Houston's Resilience Shines Through

Houston has always been a city of resilience and community spirit. These initiatives reflect the City's dedication to protecting its residents and ensuring everyone has the support they need during challenging times.

Cooling Center, Charging Center and Shelter Updates  

 City of Houston - Cooling Centers                   

  • Southwest Multi-Service Center 
    • Address: 6400 High Star Dr., Houston, Texas 77074
    • Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Acres Homes Multi-Service Center
    • Address: 6719 W. Montgomery Rd., Houston, Texas 77091
    • Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Sunnyside Multi-Service Center
    • Address: 4410 Reed Rd., Houston, Texas 77051
    • Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM 
  • West Gray Multi-Purpose Center              
    • Address: 1475 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019 
    • Hours: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM                    
  • Moody Community Center                    
    • Address: 3725 Fulton St, Houston, TX 77009 
    • Hours: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM                                 
      YMCA - Cooling Centers 
      • Duncan 
        • Address: 10655 Clay Rd., Houston, TX 77041 
        • Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM 
      • Perry  
        • Address: 1700 W League City Pkwy, League City, TX 77573 
        • Hours: 4:30 AM – 9:00 PM 
      • Tellepsen 
        • Address: 808 Pease St., Houston, TX 77002 
        • Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM 
      • Trotter 
        • Address: 1331 Augusta Dr., Houston, TX 77057 
        • Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM 
      • Weekley  
        • Address: 7101 Stella Link Blvd., Houston TX 77025 
        • Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM 
      • Alief  
        • Address: 7850 Howell Sugarland Rd., Houston, TX 77083 
        • Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM 
      • International Services  
        • Address: 3110 Hayes Rd., Suite 300, Houston, TX 77082 
        • Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM  

Non-profit - Cooling Center 

  • Lakewood Church 
    • Address: 3700 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77027 
    • Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Compudopt Office 
    • Address: 1602 Airline Drive, Houston, Texas 77009 
    • Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM 
    • Details: The charging stations can accommodate up to 25 persons at one time. Six laptops will also be available for use by families.  

 American Red Cross - Shelter Locations  

  • BakerRipley Gulfton Sharpstown Campus,  
    • Address: 6500 Rookin, Houston, TX 77074 
    • Hours: Opens Tuesday, July 9 at 10:00 PM then starting Wednesday, July 10 the location will be open 24 hours 
  • BakerRipley Ripley House 
    • Address: 4410 Navigation, Houston, TX 77011 
    • Hours: Open 24 hours 
    • Details: This location will be staffed with paramedics from HFD for anyone needing minor medical support

Drive Through Distribution Locations (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

  • Acres Homes MSC
    • 6719 West Montgomery Rd. 77091
  • Northeast MSC
    • 9720 Spaulding St. 77016
  • Sunnyside MSC
    • 4410 Reed Rd. 77051
  • Southwest MSC
    • 6400 High Star Dr. 77074
  • Denver Harbor MSC
    • 6402 Market St. 77007

To view the most current list of cooling centers, charging centers and shelter locations visit, bit.ly/OEMResponse

City Services Updates  

Solid Waste will be working on Wednesday, July 10, to collect Tuesday’s garbage, heavy tree waste, and storm debris. All Solid Waste Management facilities will reopen on Wednesday, July 10. 

BARC will be closed for all public services again on Wednesday, July 10. Staff will continue to monitor the situation and provide care for the animals on site. 

Municipal Courts will resume all normal court operations on Wednesday, July 10. Trials by judge or jury will resume on Wednesday, July 10. Resets will be given in person at all City of Houston court locations beginning Wednesday, July 10. Please visit the Municipal Courts’ website at www.houstontx.gov/courts for information on all court locations and hours of operation. It is important to note that if an individual fails to reset their case(s) during the reset period (7/10/2024 through 7/16/2024), an arrest warrant may be issued. 

Houston Public Works permitting center, located at 1002 Washington Ave., will reopen to the public on Wednesday, July 10.  

These locations will open tomorrow (Wed, 7/10) 9am-6pm

  • Blue Ridge-7007 West Fuqua, 77489
  • Carnegie-1050 Quitman, 77009
  • Central- 500 McKinney, 77002
  • Houston History Research Center-550 McKinney, 77002
  • Flores- 110 N Milby, 77004
  • Jungman- 5830 Westheimer, 77057
  • Montrose- 4100 Montrose Blvd, 77006
  • Oak Forest- 1349 West 43rd St, 77018
  • Robinson-Westchase- 3223 Wilcrest, 77042
  • Southwest Express- 6400 High Star, 77074
  • Stanaker- 611 S/Sgt Macario Garcia, 77011
  • Walter- 7660 Clarewood, 77036
  • Also, this location will open tomorrow 8am-6pm
    • Alief-11903 Bellaire, 77072

Please visit https://www.houstonoem.org/pages/recover to learn more about what to do during the recovery process.

Remember to take pictures of your storm damage. The damage assessment process is critical to being eligible for Independent Assistance from FEMA. Report all damage to your property to the State of Texas using the iSTAT tool- https://damage.tdem.texas.gov

Those with insurance should contact their insurance companies before applying for FEMA assistance. FEMA will only cover damages beyond the scope of the property owner's insurance plan.

If you cannot remove debris and "muck & gut" your property yourself, help is available. Contact the Crisis Cleanup hotline at 832-509-2977. Be mindful of scammers who will take advantage of the situation. Report all scams and fraud to the Texas Attorney General.

For more info, visit HoustonTX.gov.