Corpus Christi Opens Cooling Centers

Reliant Energy Director of Community Relations Leanne Schneider (left) and Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo at a news conference announcing the opening of eight cooling centers in the city for those who do not have adequate cooling at home. The Beat the Heat program is in its 12th year. Courtesy photo

Cooling centers to help residents suffering from the heat opened in Corpus Christi on Monday, June 21, the first official day of summer. The Beat the Heat program is a partnership, now in its 12th year, between the city of Corpus Christi and Reliant. The energy company is also donating 100 Arctic Air portable coolers to community center seniors to keep help cool in their homes.
The cooling centers also offer a drive-through option from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturdays until the end of summer. Those who prefer to stay cool at home will receive games, arts and crafts, and indoor fitness activities as well as cooling devices such as Arctic Air portable coolers, paper fans, visors, water bottles, sunglasses, and hats to help battle the summer heat.
“Many senior citizens in Corpus Christi don’t have running air conditioning at their homes,” City Councilor Ben Molina said at a news conference announcing the openings of the cooling centers. “This offers a place for them to come in without the heat and visit with their friends and neighbors.”
Cooling centers include senior centers and public libraries.

SENIOR CENTER COOLING CENTER LOCATIONS

ETHEL EYERLY SENIOR CENTER

654 Graham Road

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday
Phone: 361-826-2330
Contact: Carla Garcia, senior center lead

LINDALE SENIOR CENTER

3135 Swantner Drive

Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday
Phone: 361-826-2340
Contact: Diana Bueno, administrative assistant

GARDEN SENIOR CENTER

5325 Greely Drive

Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday
Phone: 361-826-2345
Contact: Ninfa Chavera, senior center lead

ZAVALA ACTIVITY CENTER

510 Osage St.
(Partnership with WellMed Charitable Foundation)

Hours: 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday
Phone: 361-826-3099
Contact: Tanya Lara, center supervisor

PUBLIC LIBRARIES COOLING CENTER LOCATIONS

Corpus Christi Public Libraries asks that all patrons adhere to Patron Conduct Policies when visiting. Requirements in the policy include: no sleeping; no oversize bags or bedrolls, blankets, etc. (may bring in one student-size backpack and one small grocery type bag); no outside food.
While all library branches are open to the public, the following locations have been designated as cooling centers: