Texarkana's Wildest Radio Station!
Texarkana's Wildest Radio Station!
July 2, 2026
TEXARKANA, Texas — With temperatures climbing across the Texarkana area, local organizations are opening their doors to give residents a place to escape the heat during the hottest part of the day.
Cooling stations provide air-conditioned space where people can cool off, rest, and stay hydrated. Two locations currently offering relief are Randy Sams' Outreach Shelter at 402 Oak St. and Mission Texarkana at 620 W. Fourth St.
Randy Sams' Outreach Shelter opens its doors during periods of extreme weather — even as space grows tight. Executive Director Jennifer Lacefield said the shelter is experiencing unprecedented resident numbers, with weekly populations normally running 115 to 125 people. Last week, the count climbed into the 130s — a record high in her seven years at the shelter.
Despite the crowding, Lacefield said no one has been turned away. But the surge has left the shelter running low on food, bottled water, Gatorade, paper products, and hygiene items, while utility bills continue to rise. The shelter distributes water to anyone off the street, 24 hours a day, and expects demand to grow as temperatures keep climbing.
Mission Texarkana has not yet opened a formal cooling station, but Executive Director Caleb Maloney said one is on the way. In the meantime, the organization has fans running and water available outside for the community.
The cooling sites are open to anyone needing relief from the heat, including older adults, people experiencing homelessness, those without reliable air conditioning, and others vulnerable to heat-related illness.
Those wishing to help can donate water, Gatorade, food, paper products, or hygiene items directly to Randy Sams' Outreach Shelter at 402 Oak St.