Update from the city of College Station, December 23, 2022:
Brazos County warming centers are transitioning to standby operations.
The warming center at The Salvation Army is closed, but the Twin City Mission remains open and can provide overnight services for individuals and families. The VFW warming center is open tonight (December 23) until 10, then is available as needed by dialing 2-1-1.
The American Red Cross, VFW, and United Way of the Brazos Valley partners are prepared to open the VFW warming center based on assessed needs. No pets are allowed.
For information about transportation options, call 2-1-1.
Original story, December 22, 2022:
There is a call for volunteers to help at a local warming station.
Register online at the United Way of the Brazos Valley’s website to serve at the Bryan VFW post from Thursday at noon through Christmas morning at 11.
Another warming station is the Salvation Army office, which will be open Thursday from noon until five p.m. and Friday and Saturday from nine a.m. until five p.m.
Those who need transportation to either the VFW or the Salvation Army can call 2-1-1 to arrange a ride through the Brazos Transit District.
Additional information from United Way of the Brazos Valley:
A coalition of nonprofits is operating and maintaining two warming centers in Brazos County beginning today at 12 p.m. The Brazos Valley Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) are working collaboratively to ensure the community has access to a warm facility with charging stations, snacks and water. Community members are welcome to come and go at their convenience during operating hours at each location.
Below are details on how each nonprofit is supporting the effort.
The Salvation Army warming center is located at 2506 Cavitt Ave., Bryan, TX 77801. This warming center will be open beginning at noon on December 22 until 5 p.m. and is also open Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Water, snacks and charging stations will be available. The Salvation Army staff and volunteers will be providing the supplies and logistical support for this location.
The Brazos Transit District (BTD) will provide transportation to and from this location upon request. Those requiring transportation to the warming center are encouraged to call 2-1-1 (option 1) for information on requesting a ride.
The VFW warming center is located at 794 N Harvey Mitchell Pkwy., Bryan, TX 77807. This warming center will be open beginning at 5 p.m. on December 22 and will remain open 24/7 until 11 a.m. on Sunday, December 25. Water, snacks and charging stations are available.
BTD will provide transportation to and from this location upon request beginning December 22 through December 24 at 11 p.m. If individuals or families will need transportation on Sunday to or from the warm center, they will be asked to arrange transportation in advance. Those requiring transportation to the warming center are encouraged to call 2-1-1 (option 1) for information on requesting a ride.
Multiple nonprofit organizations are supporting the VFW location including the following:
VFW Post 4692 – has graciously offered the use of the facility and volunteers and staff to assist with operations
United Way of the Brazos Valley – responsible for the overall logistics and coordination efforts as well as the volunteer coordination and oversight
The American Red Cross – coordinating volunteers and oversight of volunteers as well as providing supplies upon request
Brazos Valley Food Bank – providing bottled water and snacks to support the guests during their stay in the warming center
Twin City Mission – providing blankets should they be needed for guests during their stay. Please note: Twin City Mission also has capacity at the shelter for those who need a place to stay for the duration of the winter event and would prefer to have a bed during the overnight.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) – providing volunteer support
Brazos County Sheriff’s Office – conducting regular safety checks to provide support to the facility and the volunteers
Brazos Transit District – supporting transportation to both warming centers through December 24 at 11 p.m.
Brazos County Emergency Management, City of Bryan Emergency Management and City of College Station Emergency Management – supporting operations and logistics and assisting with transportation needs
Volunteers are needed as hosts for the VFW location. Volunteers can register at visit uwbv.org/volunteer.