The Salvation Army Provides Critical Heat Relief to North Texans
The Salvation Army of North Texas is teaming up with Reliant to offer relief to help the community combat heat exposure amidst this year’s unseasonably high temperatures. Throughout the summer, The Salvation Army is providing cooling stations at service locations across the region and distributing much-needed supplies as part of its commitment to support those combatting poverty, addiction, and homelessness.
The Salvation Army of North Texas alongside its heat relief sponsor, Reliant, and partner, Westlake Ace Hardware, will distribute fans, water bottles, nutrition bars, and more at the Carr P. Collins Social Service Center on Thursday, July 21 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Current Dallas Cowboys players Nick Ralston and Devin Harper, and Cowboys legends Timmy Newsome, George Teague, Everson Walls, Kenny Gant, and Tony Casillas are scheduled to attend to distribute the heat relief supplies. Local elected officials will also be in attendance.
“The Salvation Army’s cooling stations opened early this year with North Texas’ extremely hot temperatures to quickly accommodate those seeking respite from the heat,” said Major Paul McFarland, area commander of The Salvation Army of North Texas. “As temperatures rise, heat-related illness becomes a real threat in our community, especially for seniors, the very young, people with chronic diseases, and those experiencing homelessness and poverty. The need for support only continues to grow, and thanks to the generosity of our partners including Reliant, Westlake Ace Hardware, and the public, The Salvation Army can respond to the everchanging needs of North Texans living in poverty.”
Select Salvation Army locations across Dallas, Tarrant, Ellis, Denton and Collin counties offer indoor cooling stations, while others are distributing supplies as part of the drive-thru food pantry service, utilizing emergency disaster mobile feeding units to bring relief to vulnerable populations, and providing financial assistance for families experiencing lost wages and may be at risk of having their utilities shut off.
“Reliant is once again honored to join with The Salvation Army as part of our annual Beat the Heat program to provide heat relief for North Texans throughout the summer," said Andrea Russell, vice president, Reliant. “No matter what the season has in store, Reliant will be here to support our customers, neighbors and the communities where we live and work.”
As the largest social services provider in North Texas, The Salvation Army reaches every pocket of the region, covering 4,078 square miles at 17 locations across five counties. Since the fall of 2020, The Salvation Army of North Texas has provided more than 5.4 million pounds of nutritious food at food pantries, $6.8 million in financial assistance to individuals and families, shelter to more than 14,000 people, treatment for addiction to more than 800 individuals, and permanent housing to 4,000 households.
