photo by angela n.
“Dear PoPville,
DC is activating cold weather emergency shelters! I saw lots of unhoused folks outside last night and DC hosts a hotline you can call to help get those folks somewhere warm for the night!”
“Last Updated: Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 7:15 AM ET
Current Alert Status: The District will remain under a COLD ALERT from 9 AM on Tue, 12/9 until 9 AM on Wed, 12/10
Get Help Now: Call the Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093 or 311
For cold weather preparedness and winter safety tips, visit ready.dc.gov.
Check back often for updates throughout hypothermia season!
CALLING FOR HELP
During hypothermia season, the Shelter Hotline is available 24/7. If you need help or see someone outside who needs shelter or a welfare check, please 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 date and time, the address or location, and a description of the person in need.
When to call the Shelter Hotline or 311:
An individual requests transportation to a shelter or access to other homeless services
An individual is alert but expresses they are cold, or you witness behaviors indicating they may be cold
You see an individual who appears to be vulnerable, and you have a concern that the conditions may be detrimental to them
When an individual asks for any type of homeless services
When to call 911:
You know something about the person that may increase their risk in the cold (age, medical issue, substance abuse history)
You see someone already experiencing the effects of hypothermia (sluggish, confused, shivering)
The conditions are severe (extreme cold, significant snow/ice accumulation)
You see someone without the proper cold-weather resources (shoes, gloves, hat) or with wet items (clothing, blanket, bedding)”