Conroe Churches as Warming Centers During Uri Freeze

CONROE, TX – As Winter Storm Uri unleashed its icy grip on Texas in mid-February 2021, plunging much of the state into frigid temperatures and widespread power outages, several Conroe churches swiftly answered the call for help. During the harrowing week of February 13th, with sleet falling and temperatures stubbornly below freezing, putting countless residents at risk of hypothermia, local congregations transformed their facilities into vital warming shelters, offering refuge and support to those desperate for warmth.

Mims Baptist Church, located at 16093 TX-105 W, rapidly converted its campus into a full-fledged warming center. From Monday, February 15th, through Tuesday, February 16th, the church welcomed between 30 to 50 individuals each night. Volunteers worked tirelessly, setting up cots to ensure comfortable sleeping arrangements and preparing hot meals that provided much-needed sustenance and comfort. The church’s efforts went beyond just a warm room, providing a safe, heated sanctuary for those without power, heat, and often water in their homes.

Equally dedicated was Sacred Heart Catholic Church, situated at 109 N Frazier St. This historic church also opened its doors, providing shelter for another 20 to 30 individuals during the storm’s peak. Equipped with cots and a bustling kitchen, volunteers served hot soup, a simple yet profoundly comforting meal that helped combat the brutal cold. Their commitment offered essential relief and a beacon of hope for many in the community.

Winter Storm Uri, which gripped Texas from February 13-17, 2021, represented an unprecedented crisis. Millions across the state experienced extended power outages as the electrical grid struggled to cope with record demand and frozen infrastructure. In Montgomery County, residents faced days without electricity, often leading to burst pipes and loss of potable water, compounding the danger posed by sub-freezing temperatures. For many, homes became uninhabitable, making community warming centers not just helpful, but life-saving.

The success of these shelters was a testament to robust community collaboration. Mims Baptist and Sacred Heart did not operate in isolation. They worked closely with established relief organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Montgomery County Community Foundation, and the Salvation Army. This coordinated effort was crucial for managing the influx of residents, efficiently distributing vital resources, and ensuring that aid reached those most in need. This network helped address logistical challenges, from securing cots and blankets to coordinating food supplies and volunteer shifts, ensuring a streamlined response to the emergency.

Dozens of Conroe residents, caught unprepared for the severity and duration of the storm, found critical refuge and support within the walls of these churches. For families with young children, the elderly, and vulnerable individuals, these shelters provided more than just warmth; they offered safety, food, companionship, and a sense of community during an otherwise dire and dangerous situation. The actions of these churches underscored the enduring spirit of local communities to rally together in times of extreme adversity.

As Conroe slowly thawed from Winter Storm Uri’s freeze, the profound impact of these local churches and their dedicated volunteers left an indelible mark, serving as a powerful reminder of compassionate neighbor helping neighbor when it mattered most.