Fort Worth firefighters braved icy conditions Sunday morning to rescue several people from a homeless encampment as a dangerous winter storm swept through the area, with one man suffering a seizure from hypothermia during the rescue operation.
The city’s HOPE team — which stands for Home Outreach Prevention Education — responded to the large encampment on East 9th Street where they found individuals trapped by the freezing temperatures that had literally frozen their shoes to the ground overnight, according to emergency officials who detailed the rescue effort.
“Every resident of this city is a priority and the Fort Worth Fire Department wants to ensure you that we are doing everything we can during this winter weather storm to help whomever we can,” the department said in a statement. “This is what we do in the City of Fort Worth: we help one another no matter what.”
Dramatic Rescue Amid Freezing Conditions
The situation quickly turned critical when firefighters had to physically carry four people up a steep incline to the transport bus. Their shoes had frozen overnight in the rain, making it impossible for them to walk to safety on their own, authorities confirmed.
One man’s condition deteriorated dramatically during the rescue. About halfway up the hill, he began having a seizure due to hypothermia. First responders rushed him to a transport van for emergency care before he was taken to a hospital by ambulance, according to official reports.
The arctic blast has highlighted the precarious situation faced by Tarrant County’s homeless population. On any given night, there can be upwards of 2,500 people experiencing homelessness in the county — a figure that becomes especially alarming during extreme weather events.
Shelter Network Under Pressure
Where do people go when temperatures plummet to dangerous levels? Fort Worth maintains several warming shelters, including Union Gospel Mission, Presbyterian Night Shelter, and the Salvation Army Mabee Shelter. When these regular facilities reach capacity, the city activates overflow emergency shelter locations — a system that’s been put to the test during this latest winter storm.
During daylight hours, True Worth Place serves as the primary resource center for adults experiencing homelessness. Located at 1513 E. Presidio St., it operates daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., providing crucial services and a respite from the elements.
Yet the weekend’s dramatic rescue underscores that many remain outside the shelter system, even in life-threatening conditions. Some can’t access services due to transportation issues, while others face barriers related to mental health challenges, substance abuse, or pets that aren’t allowed in shelters.
The HOPE team’s efforts represent the front line of the city’s response to this complex issue. Their work extends beyond emergency intervention, aiming to connect individuals with services that might provide longer-term stability.
As temperatures are expected to remain below freezing for several more days, city officials continue urging anyone who sees someone in danger to contact emergency services immediately — a reminder that in the most extreme circumstances, intervention can be the difference between life and death.
