Warming stations and shelters open throughout the Houston area

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A number of shelters and warming stations are open throughout the region to help those in need during the historically cold weather.

In Houston, Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale opened his Gallery Furniture stores at 6006 North Freeway and 7227 West Grand Parkway South in Richmond as warming centers for those in the cold. McIngvale did a similar move after residents needed a place to stay in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

While officials said the George R. Brown Convention Center was opened for people who are homeless and needed a place to stay, it has since reached the maximum capacity of 200 people. Now, closer to 800 people are being sheltered there. Instead, the mayor's office is asking that people call the city's 311 line to find out what facilities are open.

Anyone who shows up now will be placed on warming buses and taken to other facilities serving as warming centers.

For Texans who find themselves stranded without power or in need of warmth, the Texas A&M University System has a warming center locator set up to help find warming locations across the state.

SEE ALSO: Using a space heater or fireplace? Stay safe with these tips