The nonprofit, OurCalling, says it "desperately" needs 170 volunteers to help run the temporary shelter in the Grand Place Building at Fair Park. The city of Dallas is working with OurCalling and Austin Street Center to run the shelter with 900 beds.
Thursday morning, OurCalling said it needed additional volunteers as the snow started to move in. A Winter Storm Warning started Thursday morning and runs through noon Friday with the National Weather Service's most recent prediction saying 2-5 inches of snow were possible.
"We are continuing the collaboration to build a resilient and inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive," Interim City Manager Kim Tolbert said.
OurCalling said volunteers could work two to three-hour shifts serving coffee and meals, packing snacks, and sorting through donations. Earlier this week, the Dallas Office of Homeless Solutions said people had donated 1,000 coats, 4,600 hats, and pairs of gloves.
"We do receive a lot of inquiries at the city, 'How do I get involved?'" the Office of Homeless Solutions' Gloria Sandoval said. "Number one is to volunteer."
Police and private security are working at Fair Park; Dallas Fire Rescue, Parkland Hospital, and the North Texas Behavioral Health Authority are providing medical and mental health services.
Dallas Animal Services is providing space for people's pets.
"We work together to streamline operations and allocate resources during this time effectively," Tolbert said.
OurCalling said outreach teams have been sending texts and visiting camps to warn people about the incoming weather. The organization is working with Austin Street Center and the Office of Homeless Solutions to run buses among shelters and bring people to Fair Park.
As people arrive, they walk through metal detectors and receive a blanket and snacks.
"It's a load off, just knowing I won't be out here freezing tonight," one man said.
"We're enormously honored to both lead and partner with the City of Dallas to make this event take place," Austin Street Center Chief Executive Daniel Roby said. "The real story of this event is really one of extraordinary leadership and partnership."
Austin Street Center is running intake at the shelter. OurCalling is managing things like meals and security.
Roby said the greatest need now is adult size, men's coats. People can deliver donations to Austin Street Center at 1717 Jeffries Street, Dallas, TX 75226 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. More information is available on their website.
Donations to OurCalling can be made online.
The shelter at Fair Park will stay open as long as the temperature is forecast to stay below 36 degrees in wet weather or 32 degrees in dry weather for three hours or more.
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