The building that long served as the home of city government in Amarillo has found a new purpose: A temporary shelter for the most vulnerable in Amarillo during times of bad weather.
For the second time since March, the City of Amarillo (COA) transformed the former city hall building into an Extreme Weather Shelter Facility. More than 140 people and15 dogs stayed at the shelter from April 4-5, when Amarillo saw a rarity with several inches of early spring snow.
“This is really a unique opportunity and a great idea to help the unhoused in Amarillo when the weather is at its worst,” said COA Director of Community Development Jason Riddlespurger. “I am incredibly proud to be part of a city and a team that rises to the occasion with compassion and professionalism to help those in need at a crucial time.”
COA officially opened a new city hall in February at 623 S. Johnson, the former home of Amarillo Hardware. This made the former city hall building on Buchanan Street an option for the Community Development staff and their volunteers.
“The timing was great,” Riddlespurger said. “There is a three-story building with restroom facilities and the capacity to provide food serving areas and sleeping areas that is currently not being used. We have used the building as a temporary Extreme Weather Shelter Facility twice in the past couple of months and it has worked great.”
Transforming the former city hall was a collaborative effort across multiple COA departments and community partners.
“This exemplifies the rapid and coordinated response by many to protect our most vulnerable residents,” Riddlespurger said.
A brief rundown of the transformation:
- From April 3-5, the COA Office of Emergency Management (OEM) delivered more than 50 cots to the former city hall.
- The COA Animal Management and Welfare Department provided animal crates for guests with pets and also provided pet supplies.
- COA Facilities staff cleaned and maintained restroom facilities.
- Transportation to and from the facility was provided by Amarillo City Transit.
- Food was provided by Transformation Park. Snacks and water were provided by theComing Home Program.
- Staff from the Community Development Department and the Coming Home Program were present throughout the multi-day event.
“Our community is blessed to have this group of people working so hard to help our most vulnerable residents,” Riddlespurger said. “Kudos to the swift and seamless collaboration between Community Development, OEM, Animal Management and Welfare, Facilities, Amarillo City Transit, the Amarillo Police Department and community partners like Transformation Park. It is nice to be able to make a few phone calls to just get things done.
“The feedback from guests was overwhelmingly positive. Several individuals shared that this was the first time in a long time they were able to sleep peacefully and feel safe. The services provided went beyond basic shelter – they offered dignity, care and a sense of humanity to those who often go without.”
For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov.
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