(Washington, DC) – Mayor Muriel Bowser, alongside the DC Department of Human Services (DHS) and community members, officially marked the beginning of hypothermia season at the Downtown Day Services Center. The mayor urged residents to take action by signing the Hypothermia Awareness Pledge, which encourages individuals to look out for neighbors experiencing homelessness during the winter months. A key component of this initiative is the Shelter Hotline, which residents can call at (202) 399-7093 or 311 to request free, accessible transportation to shelters.
“We want the community to know that we have space for everyone to come inside,” Bowser stated. “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.” The hypothermia season runs from November 1 to March 31, during which the District provides 24/7 outreach and assistance, including welfare checks and warming items like blankets and gloves.
According to DHS Director A.D. Rachel Pierre, shelter in dangerous cold is a legal right in the District. “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,” they said. The District has also expanded shelter capacity and winter services for individuals experiencing homelessness, including the closure of the DC General shelter and the opening of smaller, service-enriched shelters throughout the city.
The mayor’s office highlighted that family homelessness in the District has decreased significantly, with a reported 54.8% drop since 2015. The number of unsheltered individuals has also declined by an estimated 9.3% from 2025, reflecting the effectiveness of various programs aimed at preventing homelessness.
Cold Alerts and Extreme Cold Alerts are issued when weather conditions pose risks to residents, particularly those outdoors. A Cold Alert is declared when temperatures, including wind chill, fall between 16° and 32°F, or between 21° and 40°F with expected precipitation. An Extreme Cold Alert is triggered when temperatures drop below 15°F. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and utilize the Shelter Hotline to assist those in need during these critical months.
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