Salvation Army Partners with Reliant, Dallas Cowboys to Deliver Heat Relief to North Texas
Ahead of the upcoming rise in temperature, The Salvation Army of North Texas is joining forces with Reliant and the Dallas Cowboys to launch its heat relief efforts aimed at helping the community stay safe and cool.
At the Carr P. Collins Social Service Center on June 12, volunteers from The Salvation Army and its heat relief presenting sponsor, Reliant, are teaming up with alumni players and Rowdy from the Dallas Cowboys, its signature partner, to distribute much-needed essentials to our most vulnerable neighbors. The event marks The Salvation Army’s preparation for the hottest time of the year — with potentially record-high temperatures in Texas expected this season — during which the region’s largest social services provider offers holistic services to those seeking respite.
“2023 was the hottest year on record, and I have no doubt that this year will be comparable,” said Major Paul McFarland, area commander of The Salvation Army of North Texas. “The Salvation Army is dedicated to helping alleviate the stresses many North Texans are currently facing. Together with Reliant and the Dallas Cowboys, we will make a significant impact for our neighbors not only on June 12, but throughout the entire summer as long as our services are needed.”
Because The Salvation Army of North Texas is embedded in the communities it serves, it is able to quickly activate heat relief in response to a spike in temperature. The Salvation Army, together with Reliant, will open its cooling stations to offer hydration, food, and shelter to those at risk of heat-related conditions in Dallas, Collin, Denton, Tarrant, Ellis, and Rockwall counties. For families and individuals who need help to make ends meet, The Salvation Army also teams up with Reliant to offer financial assistance to help customers pay their electricity bills.
Throughout the next few months, The Salvation Army will also deploy emergency disaster mobile feeding units (canteens) to bring relief directly to North Texans in need and distribute more than 1,000 box fans with support from partner Westlake Ace Hardware.
“Although summer hasn’t even officially begun, we are already experiencing intense heat and we know it will get hotter,” said Andrea Russell, senior vice president, Reliant. “For the third year in a row, we’re teaming up with The Salvation Army for our annual Beat the Heat program to support our neighbors in need. Together, we can make a difference as we keep the safety and comfort of our customers and community top of mind.”
Heat-related illness is a real threat in North Texas, especially for vulnerable communities such as seniors, youth, people with chronic diseases, and those experiencing homelessness and poverty. Amidst the extreme heat, those without access to adequate air conditioning are often faced with the difficult decision to run utilities or put food on the table.
The Salvation Army provides year-round support to all those facing poverty, addiction, and homelessness. Each year, The Salvation Army of North Texas serves more than 80,000 people across 4,078 square miles. Every week, over 10,000 people are served at its 12 food pantries, 500 people are treated through its three recovery programs, and 1,300 people are housed through its six shelters and senior living centers.
To learn more about The Salvation Army of North Texas and how you can help with preparation and heat relief efforts, visit SalvationArmyNorthTexas.org.
About The Salvation Army of North Texas
The Salvation Army of North Texas provides a range of services to combat poverty, addiction, and homelessness at 21 centers of operation in Dallas and Rockwall, Tarrant and Ellis, and Denton and Collin counties. Faithful to our mission, The Salvation Army enables God-empowered transformations of individuals and society through food assistance, shelter, rehabilitation, counseling, spiritual support, mentoring and job placement, and more. For more information, visit SalvationArmyNorthTexas.org.
About Reliant
Reliant makes power personal - that's why homes and businesses trust Reliant not only as a provider of electricity, but also as a pillar of support in the communities we serve. From a best-in-class app to breakthrough innovations, Reliant is recognized nationally for outstanding customer service and as the leader in the evolving energy space with offerings that span from EV solutions to solar insights to smart home experiences. As part of NRG Energy, Inc., a Fortune 500 energy and home services company, our purpose is to power a brighter future together, one that is safe, smart and sustainable. For more information about Reliant, visit reliant.com and connect with Reliant on Facebook at facebook.com/reliantenergy and X or Instagram @reliantenergy. PUCT Certificate #10007.
Media Contacts
Alex Edwards, The Salvation Army of North Texas, [email protected], 281-248-3829
Megan Talley, Reliant, [email protected], 713-537-2160