In preparation for the anticipated winter freeze beginning Sunday, Fort Bend County and partnering organizations are opening several locations to serve as warming centers.
Attack Poverty/Friends of North Rosenberg will serve as a warming center, located at 1908 Avenue E., Rosenberg, TX 77471. The center will be open from Sunday, January 14, through Tuesday, January 17, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The center will provide free WiFi, cots, blankets, and food.
Additionally, the following Fort Bend County Library branches will serve as warming centers:
· Albert George Branch Library, 9230 Gene Street, Needville, TX 77461 (281-238-2850)
· Cinco Ranch Branch Library, 2620 Commercial Ctr. Blvd., Katy, TX 77494 (281-395-1311)
· First Colony Branch Library, 2121 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281-238-2800)
· Fulshear Branch Library, 1422 Eugene Heimann Cir, Richmond, TX 77469 (281-341-2718)
· George Memorial Library, 1001 Gulfview Drive, Richmond, TX 77469 (281-342-4455)
· Mamie George Library, 320 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477 (281-238-2880)
· Mission Bend Library, 8421 Addicks Clodine Rd., Houston, TX 77083 (832-471-5900)
· Missouri City Library, 1530 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, TX 77489 (281-238-2100)
· Sienna Branch Library, 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd., Missouri City, TX 77459 (281-238-2140)
· Sugar Land Branch Library, 550 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281-238-2140)
· University Branch Library, 14010 University Blvd., Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281-633-5100)
· Willie Melton Law Library, 1422 Eugene Heimann Cir., Richmond, TX 77469 (281-341-3718)
At this time, library locations will be closed on Monday, January 15, and are scheduled to resume regular operations on Tuesday, January 16. Residents are encouraged to contact the respective library locations for detailed information regarding their hours of operation.
In addition to the warming centers, Fort Bend Transit is offering free transportation for residents in need of public transportation to warming centers. Residents are encouraged to call 281-633-7433 for transportation assistance.
In a press conference with other officials on Friday, County Judge K.P. George emphasized the importance of staying weather aware and suggested multiple methods for residents to receive updates, including signing up for emergency alerts by texting FBC Alert to 888 777, listening to AM 1670 Radio, and following the social media platforms for the County Judge's Office, the Office of Emergency Management, and Health and Human Services for weather awareness and road closures.
Social Services staff will be on call from Saturday, January 13 to Monday, January 15, to assist vulnerable homeless populations by providing screening for temporary emergency sheltering assistance during the freeze. All other emergency homeless screening for this temporary emergency freeze, will be followed up on during normal business hours.
Rene Vasquez, Fort Bend County Animal Services director, announced that the department is providing free doghouses for those in need of shelter for their outdoor pets. The shelter is open on Saturday and Sunday until 3 p.m. To report animal neglect, residents can call 281-342-1512.
For any transportation needs outside of business hours, residents can call 281-633-7433 and select option 1 to reach dispatchers.