Resources during the Extreme Heat Alert for June 23 to June 25
When the heat index forecast exceeds 95 degrees, the District issues a Heat Alert. When the heat index forecast exceeds 105 degrees, the District issues an Extreme Heat Alert and may implement additional resources as needed to support public health and wellness. Learn more about updates to the District’s Heat Plan here.
The Bowser Administration urges residents to take precautions during these two alerts. That includes staying indoors when possible, remaining hydrated, checking on seniors and other vulnerable neighbors, and calling the shelter hotline at (202) 399-7093 or 311 for unsheltered residents in need of free, accessible transportation to a low-barrier shelter or day center. The District will also deploy cooling buses at locations across the city to assist unsheltered residents in need of immediate relief from the heat.
Residents are encouraged to visit heat.dc.gov to find information about the District’s heat emergency plan, locate cooling centers, and access important safety tips and available services. To stay informed about heat alerts and other emergency notifications, residents can sign up for AlertDC at alert.dc.gov.
Cooling Centers
Cooling centers are locations across the District where individuals can go to gain respite from the heat. In addition to providing an air-conditioned place to cool off, some cooling centers provide additional services to individuals experiencing homelessness. Facilities serving as cooling centers include low-barrier shelters, day centers, public libraries, community centers and recreation centers, and youth services centers. Find your closest cooling center using the map located at heat.dc.gov.
Low-Barrier Shelters and Day Centers
Low-barrier shelters and day centers for individuals experiencing homelessness operate year-round, provide an air-conditioned and safe place to stay, and offer additional support services and case management. Follow this link for more information.
Individuals and families seeking accessible transportation to homeless services should call the DC Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093, between the hours of 8 am to 12 am, or the Mayor’s Citywide Call Center at 311 at any time of the day or night.
Access to Emergency Shelter
All low-barrier shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness operate year-round. The following low-barrier shelters are open 24 hours:
New York Avenue Men’s Shelter (1355 New York Avenue NE)
801 East Men’s Shelter (2722 MLK Jr. Avenue SE)
Adams Place Men’s Shelter (2210 Adams Place NE)
Emery Men’s Shelter (1725 Lincoln Road NE)
Pat Handy Women’s Shelter (810 5th Street NW)
Harriet Tubman Women’s Shelter (1910 Massachusetts Avenue SE)
Living Life Alternatives LGBTQ+ Shelter (400 50th Street SE)