Hypothermia Watch Program
In September the Mayor announced the District’s Hypothermia Plan for
2004-2005. Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition that could afflict
homeless people living on the streets when the temperature falls below 32
degrees Fahrenheit, or the wind chill factor creates the same effect. The
plan calls for every government agency, every community and all our citizens
to get involved and protect those at risk. The hypothermia season lasts from
November 1 to March 31. Please call (800) 535-7252 if you see someone on the
streets when the temperature is below 32 degrees. The links below provide
information about the Hypothermia Watch Program and other programs that help
the homeless.
Hypothermia Shelters
Men Address
Housing Assistance Center 1355-57 New York Avenue, NE
Franklin School 13th and K Streets, NW
Emery Shelter 1725 Lincoln Road, NE
LaCasa Shelter 1436 Irving Street, NW
Federal City Shelter (CCNV) 425 Second Street, NW
801 East Building 801 Making Life Better Lane SE
Women Only Address
John Young Center 115 D Street, NW
DC General Hospital-Cafeteria 1900 Massachusetts Avenue, SE
Hypothermia Fact Sheet
* The hypothermia season begins November 1 and ends March 31.
* The Emergency Management Agency issues Hypothermia Alerts when the
temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below, or when the wind chill factor
creates the same effect. The hours of operation for the hypothermia alert
are 7pm to 7am, but will be extended until the temperature or wind chill
factor rises above 32 degrees.
* Those who do not come in from the cold when hypothermia alerts are
issued put themselves in life-threatening positions. The body enters into a
hypothermia state when its temperature is below 95 degrees.
* DHS has established partnerships with business and community
organizations to prevent hypothermia deaths. Participants wear “I’m a
Hypothermia Watch Partner” buttons, post flyers and encourage others to be
alert for those in need of assistance.
* The District of Columbia government has provided intensive outreach
and shelter services to the homeless since 1986. DC Law 7-24, the Frigid
Temperature Protection Amendment Act of 1988, was passed to assure that the
homeless are sheltered when the temperature falls below 32 degrees
Fahrenheit.
* Shelter services are provided to approximately 13,480 men, women,
and families throughout the year. The current shelter system provides more
than 1,970 beds for single adults and families with children. Approximately
600 people who are at risk choose not to enter shelters.
* During the winter of 2001, the United Planning Organization (UPO)
Shelter Hotline recorded a total of 15,211 calls and provided 6,113 one-way
trips to shelters. UPO also distributed 11,226 blankets; 82 sleeping bags;
25 pairs of shoes and boots; and 1,533 hats, scarves, and gloves to the
homeless.
* Twelve agencies provide the homeless who remain on the streets with
food, beverages, blankets, gloves, jackets, boots, hats, sleeping bags,
medical services, case management, and counseling.
Links to Organizations That Help the Homeless Located at
* The Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness
* So Others Might Eat
* Gospel Rescue Ministries
* National Alliance to End Homelessness
* National Coalition for the Homeless
* Answers, Please!
* US Department of Housing and Urban Development
* Home Base – A Public Policy Law Firm of Homelessness
* Help the Homeless
* Hypothermia Prevention, Recognition and Treatment
* Fannie Mae Foundation
* Community for Creative Non Violence
Desi Deschaine
Community Affairs Coordinator
Executive Office of the Mayor
1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Suite 211
Washington, DC 20004