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dhs

DHS

 

The District's Heat Emergency Resources. Learn more
 

Notice of CLOSING of Emergency Rental Assistance Application Portal. Read more

 

Want to help? Here is how. Learn more

 

There is a Temporary Local Benefit to households receiving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for the period January 1, 2024, through September 30, 2024. Learn more

 

List Your Units Here Today! Read more

 

Extreme Weather Alerts

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 day7 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

 

District's Heat Emergency Alert

When the forecast of the temperature or heat index in the District is 95 degrees or higher, the District Government implements the Heat Emergency Plan and activates cooling centers for community members to seek relief from the heat. Residents and visitors should take extra steps to beat the heat by staying in the shade or air-conditioning, drinking plenty of water, and visiting a cooling center. Periods of high heat and humidity can cause medical problems such as heat exhaustion and stroke. Please click here to learn more.

 

Hypothermia Season Resources

Contact TTY: 
711