Mayor Bowser Marks Start of Hypothermia Season, Urges Residents to Call Shelter Hotline and Support Neighbors in Need of Warmth and Shelter

(Washington, DC) - Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser marked the start of Hypothermia Season by encouraging residents to take the Hypothermia Awareness Pledge. The pledge is a commitment to look out for neighbors experiencing homelessness during the winter months. One important way residents can help their neighbors is by requesting free, accessible transportation to a shelter by calling the Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093 or 311.

"As cold weather sets in this weekend, we're urging residents across all eight wards to help us connect our neighbors to shelter and supportive services," said Mayor Bowser. "When it's cold out, we can all play a role in helping people get inside. If you see someone outside in the cold, check on them. Calling the Shelter Hotline to request a welfare check or accessible transportation to shelter is easy and takes less than a minute."

In partnership with the DowntownDC Business Improvement District and the DC Department of Human Services (DHS), the event raised awareness about expanded shelter, outreach, and services available during the winter months for individuals experiencing homelessness and the role of the community in protecting vulnerable neighbors from cold weather injury and death.

"The District is committed to preventing cold-weather injury and continuing to meet its right-to-shelter mandate during hypothermia season," said DHS Director A.D. Rachel Pierre. "The District is one of only a few jurisdictions in the country that provides a legal right to shelter in hypothermic weather conditions. We've already increased our shelter capacity to meet increased demand - to nearly 1,300 beds total - and we'll bring additional beds online throughout the season if we need to."

During Hypothermia Season, November 1 to March 31, the District provides free outreach and assistance, welfare checks, warming items, such as blankets, gloves, and hats, and transportation to shelters 24 hours a day, seven days a week. District residents are encouraged to save the Shelter Hotline phone number in their mobile device and call (202) 399-7093 or 311 to request assistance or transportation to shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Cold Alerts and Extreme Cold Alerts:

Members of the public and community partners should expect to see updated language during the cold weather months. In the past, the District referred to activating a "Hypothermia Alert"; going forward, DC's Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) will instead issue a "Cold Alert." Instead of a "Cold Weather Emergency," HSEMA will issue an "Extreme Cold Alert."

These alerts occur when the National Weather Service forecasts weather that presents a risk to residents, especially those who are outdoors and experiencing homelessness. See below for more information.

A Cold Alert will be triggered when the actual or forecasted temperature (including wind chill) is between:

• 16° and 32°F, OR
• 21° to 40°F if precipitation (snow, rain, or hail) is expected
  • Alert messaging will include forecasted precipitation

An Extreme Cold Alert will be triggered when the actual or forecasted temperature (including wind chill) falls below:

• 15°F without precipitation, OR
• 20°F if precipitation (snow, rain, or hail) is expected
  • Alert messaging will include forecasted precipitation

Cold Alerts and Extreme Cold Alerts are shared through AlertDC, the District's emergency public notification system. Residents can sign up for free email and text alerts and updates at alert.dc.gov.

Cold Weather Safety Precautions:

• Stay inside if you can.
• Cover up and limit exposed skin when you go outside.
• Check on your neighbors and learn the signs of hypothermia, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with access and functional needs who are the most vulnerable in our community.
• The District opens Hypothermia Shelters to ensure there are warm, safe places to be for anyone experiencing homelessness. For a list of shelters and other information about hypothermia season, visit cold.dc.gov.
• For all animal emergencies, including animals left outside in extreme temperatures, call the Brandywine Valley SPCA at (202) 888-PETS.

Low-Barrier Shelters:
The following low-barrier shelters are open 24/7 year-round (except where noted):

Women

• Harriet Tubman - 1910 Massachusetts Avenue SE
• Pat Handy - 810 5th Street NW
• St. Josephine Bakhita - 6010 Georgia Avenue NW (7 pm to 7 am only)

Men

• 801 East - 2722 Martin L. King Jr Avenue SE
• Adam's Place - 2210 Adams Place NE
• Emery - 1725 Lincoln Road NE
• New York Avenue - 1355 New York Avenue NE

LGBTQ+

• Living Life Alternative - 400 50th Street SE

Hypothermia Shelters:
The following hypothermia shelters are open 7 pm to 7 am during Hypothermia Season.

If/when there is an Extreme Cold Alert, hypothermia shelters extend their hours to 24/7, operating around the clock until the Extreme Cold Alert is lifted. Additional sites will be added when the District's shelter system approaches capacity.

Women

• Eve's Place - 2210 Adams Place NE
• Harbor Light - 2100 New York Avenue NE

Men

• 801 East Day Center - 2722 Martin L. King Jr Avenue SE
• Emery Hypothermia - 1725 Lincoln Road NE
• Naylor Road - 2601 Naylor Road SE

Please note: Adjustments to hours and facilities may occur if circumstances dictate (e.g., utility issues, weather-related access, etc.)

Visit cold.dc.gov for more information about Hypothermia Season and to take the pledge to help neighbors experiencing homelessness during cold weather.