HOUSTON — As temperatures in Houston plummeted this week, warming centers were a lifeline to many people in need of help.
Kiearia Jones and her family were among those people. They had moved from Tallahassee to Houston at the beginning of the new year to chase her dream.
"Houston has one of the biggest populations of social media influencers," she said. "That's kind of my goal -- to become a big influencer."
She and her children had been living at a motel this month.
"Three little munchkins. I love them. They're so sweet," she said.
But by Monday, when the temperatures plummeted, she said she ran out of money and didn't have a place to sleep.
"It just became to be too much," Jones said.
With temperatures dropping and nowhere to go, she said she called 911 for help. She said they took her and her kids to a multi-service center in Acres Homes that was serving as a warming center. It's one of dozens spread out around Harris County to provide shelter for those who couldn't find a warm place to sleep.
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"Somewhere safe and warm for the night until I can figure out at least how to get home," she said.
Case workers are going to try to help her get a plan together for her and her kids, but they don't have much time.
"I did not know that they were closing down tomorrow," Jones said. "That was definitely a lot to hear."
The centers were scheduled to close on Wednesday, but Jones and her boys are grateful that they had a warm spot to lay their heads.
On Tuesday, Houston leaders stressed that the freezing weather wasn't yet over.
"You've got to be cautious. There are going to be ice patches, probably until about midday [Wednesday]," Mayor John Whitmire said.
Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña echoed the mayor's message.
"Those roads are going to re-freeze. If you don't need to be on the roads, stay off the roads. They're dangerous."
Those seeking shelter at City of Houston warming centers are asked to leave by midday Wednesday, citing forecasted weather conditions improving.