ROBSTOWN, Texas \u2014 As freezing temperatures sweep across the Coastal Bend, the Robstown warming shelter is offering more than just relief from the cold \u2014 it\u2019s providing hope, safety, and a sense of community for people with nowhere else to turn.<\/p>\n
Robstown Warming Shelter comes together to keep neighbors warm<\/p>\n
Among those finding refuge is Rodney Roberson, who has been staying at the Robstown Senior Community Center warming shelter, where he\u2019s receiving hot meals, a warm place to sleep, and a temporary escape from the bitter cold.<\/p>\n
“I’ve been homeless since, well, really since the pandemic, but I’ve struggled with alcoholism since my wife died on Easter Sunday of 2009,” Roberson said.<\/p>\n
With temperatures continuing to drop overnight, Roberson says he\u2019s grateful to be indoors, warm, and safe \u2014 but his thoughts remain with those still outside.<\/p>\n
“I just worry about these folks that didn’t make it in. I hope we don’t find them frozen to death somewhere,” Roberson said.<\/p>\n
Roberson learned about the shelter thanks to Council Member J.C. Carrion, who took it upon himself to personally reach out to people experiencing homelessness in the area.<\/p>\n
“He drove to the place he knew I was and these other 5 or 6 homeless people and he let us know,” Roberson said.<\/p>\n
So far, about a dozen people have sought shelter at the facility. Nueces County Emergency Coordinator Dee Hawkins says the space has quickly become a place of comfort and connection.<\/p>\n
“Last night we came in and made a big pot of chili and made Frito pie and everything and everybody watched the football games, hot chocolate and things like that,” Hawkins said.<\/p>\n
Hawkins says the shelter is the result of a true community-wide effort, with local organizations, businesses, county officials, and city leaders all stepping up to help protect the most vulnerable.<\/p>\n
The shelter even allows pets \u2014 removing a major barrier for many who might otherwise stay outside. For Roberson, the shelter represents something deeper than warmth alone.<\/p>\n
“I’m very thankful and grateful, but I think it might be that this will be the start of revival,” Roberson said.<\/p>\n
The Robstown warming shelter is located at 415 Mainer Road and will be open until Tuesday at noon. <\/p>\n
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.<\/p>\n
For the latest local news updates, click here<\/a>, or download the KRIS 6 News App.<\/a><\/p>\n