As temperatures climb across Southeast Texas, Reliant is once again helping residents beat the heat by providing access to cooling centers and other resources throughout the Houston area.
The energy company’s annual Beat the Heat program offers relief for seniors, people with disabilities, and families who may not have adequate cooling at home. The initiative includes cooling centers, portable air conditioner assistance programs, and financial support for eligible customers struggling to pay electricity bills.
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In Houston, residents can find cooling centers through partnerships with the Houston Health Department, Harris County Precinct 2, Community Family Centers and Tejano Center. The locations provide air-conditioned spaces where people can cool off during periods of extreme heat.
According to Reliant, its portable air conditioner program helps eligible seniors, individuals with disabilities and families who do not have the means to cool their homes. Houston residents can also sign up for AlertHouston notifications to receive updates when emergency cooling centers open.
Some Houston-area cooling center locations include:
- Acres Homes Multi-Service Center - 6719 W. Montgomery Rd.Houston, TX 77091
- Alief Neighborhood Center - 11903 Bellaire Blvd.Houston, TX 77072
- Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center - 6402 Market St.Houston, TX 77007
- Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center - 3810 W. Fuqua St.Houston, TX 77045
- Sunnyside Health and Multi-Service Center - 4410 Reed Rd.Houston, TX 77051
- Third Ward Multi-Service Center - 3611 Ennis St.Houston, TX 77004
- West End Multi-Service Center - 170 Heights Blvd.Houston, TX 77007
- Kashmere Multi-Service Center - 4802 Lockwood Dr.Houston, TX 77026
- Magnolia Multi-Service Center - 7037 Capitol St.Houston, TX 77011
- Northeast Multi-Service Center - 9720 Spaulding St.Houston, TX 77016
Additional cooling locations are available through Harris County Precinct 2 community centers in Houston, Pasadena, Baytown, Channelview and Seabrook.
Residents in need of an air conditioning unit may also qualify for assistance through Harris County Precinct 2’s air conditioner program. Information is available by calling 713-274-2222.
Reliant also offers financial assistance through its CARE program, which helps qualifying customers facing hardship pay their electricity bills. Since 2002, the company says it has provided more than $18 million in statewide assistance through agency partners.
Heat safety tips
Officials recommend taking precautions during periods of extreme heat, including:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Limiting outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day
- Wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing
- Taking cool showers or baths
- Checking on elderly relatives, neighbors and friends
- Monitoring how medications may be affected by heat exposure
Residents can find a complete list of cooling center locations and eligibility information through Reliant’s Beat the Heat program.