Resources Available During Hypothermia Season
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.