It has been unusually cold and snowy in D.C. this week, meaning those without permanent shelter are at an increased risk for hypothermia.
When the temperature, including wind chill, is lower than 32° F (or 40° F with precipitation), D.C. initiates a hypothermia alert. This opens up more resources and warming shelters to the public.
Who To Call:
During hypothermia season, D.C. provides a 24/7 shelter hotline and transportation to warming shelters. If you or another individual needs shelter or a welfare check, call (202) 399-7093.
Where To Get Warm:
You can find D.C.’s low barrier and hypothermia shelters on this map. There are 22 spread across all eight wards. Low-barrier shelters are available year-round 24/7, but the city opens up special hypothermia sites on winter nights to help with overflow. They operate from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Families experiencing homelessness can call the shelter hotline or visit the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center.
For resources in other areas of the DMV, check out this comprehensive list.
Map of hypothermia shelter sites. (DC DHS)
Help Your Neighbors stay Warm
Consider donating lightly used winter clothes to local non-profits that distribute them to D.C.’s unhoused population. Great spots to donate include Thrive DC, Martha’s Table, and Mission DC. Make sure all items are clean and in good condition.
