The District is committed to protecting residents experiencing homelessness from hypothermia and other extreme weather injuries. Outreach is conducted throughout the year by teams from DHS and the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), and the District is one of only three jurisdictions in the country with a right-to-shelter mandate.
The District significantly enhances outreach personnel and shelter capacity during the hypothermia season (November - March) and remains committed to ensuring access to shelter during extreme weather.
Map of Hypothermia Shelter Sites
Low Barrier Shelters are available year-round 24/7. Hypothermia overflow sites operate from 7 pm to 7 am overnight.
What is a Hypothermia Alert?
Hypothermia alerts are activated when the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasted temperature, including wind chill, is or will be 32° F or below; or, when the temperature is forecasted to be 40° F or below, and the forecasted chance of precipitation is fifty percent or greater.
Hypothermia alerts are activated when the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasted temperature, including wind chill, is or will be 32° F or below; or, when the temperature is forecasted to be 40° F or below, and the forecasted chance of precipitation is fifty percent or greater.
Helping Residents in Need – Shelter Hotline
During hypothermia season, the Shelter Hotline and transportation to a shelter are available to residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you see someone outside needing shelter or a welfare check, call the Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093 or dial 311. If there is an immediate risk to safety call 911. When calling, please include the time, the address or location of the sighting, and a description of the person’s appearance.
Families experiencing homelessness can call the shelter hotline at (202) 399-7093 or visit the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center at 920-A Rhode Island Ave NE.
Receiving Hypothermia Alert Updates
- Sign up for free email or text alerts on hypothermia updates at more with AlertDC at alert.dc.gov or follow AlertDC on Twitter at www.twitter.com/alertdc.