Mayor Bowser Marks Start of Hypothermia Season, Urges Residents to Call the Shelter Hotline to Connect Neighbors in Need with Free, Accessible Transportation to Shelter

(Washington, DC) - Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser, the DC Department of Human Services (DHS), the DowntownDC Business Improvement District, District officials, and members of the community marked the start of hypothermia season at the Downtown Day Services Center 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.

"We want the community to know that we have space for everyone to come inside," said Mayor Bowser. "We have beds, we have outreach teams, and we have a ride ready for anyone who needs one. What we need from our residents is a phone call - if you see a neighbor in the cold, call the Shelter Hotline."

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. For a list of shelters and other information about Hypothermia Season, visit cold.dc.gov.

"In the District, shelter in dangerous cold is a legal right, and we are honored to deliver on this mandate," said DHS Director A.D. Rachel Pierre. "Our teams have been working hard to prepare to start expanding capacity for the season's first Cold Alert, and we will add more capacity as demand grows. Our message to anyone who needs a warm place to stay is simple: come inside."

Today's event also drew attention to the District's expanded shelter capacity, outreach, and winter services for people experiencing homelessness. Under Mayor Bowser's leadership, the District has transformed supports for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This includes closing the DC General shelter and opening smaller, service-enriched shelters citywide; expanding prevention through innovative programs and pilots like the Homeless Prevention Program, DC Flex, and Project Reconnect; and launching non-congregate bridge housing at The Aston and E Street. According to the 2026 Point-in-Time Count, family homelessness in DC is down 54.8% since 2015, family shelter entries fell 30% year-over-year, and the number of unsheltered individuals declined an estimated 9.3% from 2025.

Understanding Cold Alerts and Extreme Cold Alerts

Cold Alerts and Extreme Cold Alerts are issued when the National Weather Service forecasts weather that presents a risk to residents, especially those who are outdoors and experiencing homelessness.

A Cold Alert is 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 is triggered when the actual or forecasted temperature (including wind chill) falls below:

• 15°F, 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
• Adams Place - 2210 Adams Place NE
• Emery - 1725 Lincoln Road NE
• New York Avenue - 1355 New York Avenue NE

LGBTQ+

• Living Life Alternatives - 400 50th Street SE

Hypothermia Shelters:
The District begins opening hypothermia shelters during the first Cold Alert of Hypothermia Season. Hypothermia shelters are brought online throughout the season whenever the District's shelter system approaches capacity. Once a hypothermia shelter opens, it stays open until the end of the season.

New this season, hypothermia shelters will extend their daily hours by two hours, opening from 7 pm to 9 am instead of only opening until 7 am as in prior years. This change was made to better align hypothermia shelter hours with the District's Day Center hours and with other daytime services throughout the city - ensuring that individuals experiencing homelessness can go straight from shelter to warm, service-rich spaces without having to spend as much additional time out in the cold.

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.

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

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