By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews
McKINNEY, Texas — The McKinney City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to expand operations at the overnight warming station at First McKinney Baptist Church, allowing the facility to open at warmer temperatures and serve more people during cold-weather events.
Under the changes, the warming station may now activate when forecasted ambient temperatures reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit, rather than waiting for freezing conditions. The council also approved increasing the maximum overnight occupancy from 75 to 100 people.
City staff described the request as a public health measure, citing evidence that cold-related injuries can occur well above freezing.
“At 40 degrees we are seeing frostbite,” Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Gere Feltus said. “This is a temperature that is a threshold for many cities around the United States, because we know the health outcomes are drastic if you just leave someone out at 40 degrees.”
Planning staff said the revised threshold aligns with guidance from the National Weather Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and mirrors standards already used by other cold-weather shelters in the region.
Fire and building officials confirmed the church can safely accommodate up to 100 occupants, citing sufficient space, restroom capacity, and life-safety features. Staff reported no increase in code violations or safety incidents during prior seasons when higher occupancy limits were in place.
McKinney residents raise neighborhood concerns
During the public hearing, a nearby homeowner spoke against the proposed changes, citing quality-of-life concerns since purchasing a home across from the church.
“The amount of trash and debris that I’m constantly cleaning up from my yard is a problem,” the resident said. “What I’ve seen in the short period of time that we’ve owned the house has been problematic.”
The resident said his concerns were not opposition to assisting unhoused individuals, but to the cumulative impacts of increased activity in the immediate area.
Council members acknowledged the concerns and encouraged residents to report specific code or safety issues as they occur, while emphasizing the need to balance neighborhood impacts with public safety and humanitarian considerations.
Operational safeguards detailed
Organizers described security and management procedures already in place at the warming station, including controlled entry, bag checks, and trained security staff.
“We have trained security that are always there at our open that monitor the door,” said Paul Ballesteros, who helps coordinate the warming station. “Everybody checks their bags in. Nobody gets to actually bring their bag onto the floor.”
Ballesteros said the facility has operated several nights this season and has connected guests with family members, medical care, and identification needed to pursue employment.
He said staff also coordinate with emergency services when medical issues arise, helping prevent cold-related situations from escalating into hospitalizations.
Broader policy context
Several council members placed the decision within the context of recent changes to McKinney’s homelessness-related ordinances, including restrictions on camping on private property that took effect citywide earlier this year.
“The big one was that it prohibited camping on private property,” said Patrick Cloutier, the District 2 council member. “That affected the whole city.”
Cloutier said the ordinance changes increased pressure on community organizations to provide alternatives during extreme weather.
“When we passed those ordinances and they sunset after a year, it really became incumbent on people who felt called to help the situation,” he said.
Others framed the warming station expansion as a way to reduce strain on emergency services and hospitals.
“What does that do for us when someone who is unhoused and uninsured goes to the ER and stays?” Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Gere Feltus said. “One, they’re utilizing resources that can be used for someone else. And two, it drives up the cost of health care, so we’re still all paying for it.”
Unanimous vote
After closing the public hearing, the council voted 7–0 to approve the modifications to the temporary use permit.
“This is a much more humane way to go about addressing this,” Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Gere Feltus said. “From a humanity standpoint, it’s the right thing to do for McKinney.”
The changes authorize the First McKinney Baptist Church warming station to activate at 40 degrees Fahrenheit and increase its maximum overnight occupancy to 100 people for the remainder of the cold-weather season.
Editor’s note: This article reflects discussion and actions taken during the Dec. 17, 2025 McKinney City Council meeting. For continued coverage of local government and community issues, follow TX3DNews.