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Winter Weather and the Homeless


Friends,


It's cold out! Here's some advice from our Outreach Board about what you can do to help those who are out in the elements:


If you see someone who seems to be in need of shelter against the very low temperatures here are some things you might say to start the conversation:
Introduce yourself and ask their name. Let them know that you are concerned about their safety. Ask them if they have somewhere warm to go. Let them know that they have a legal right to shelter when the temperatures are below freezing. Ask them if they know how to get to a shelter. Ask them if they would like the phone number for the shelter van. Ask them if they would like for you to call the shelter van for them.
 
If the the person does want shelter you can call the DC Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093, or 211 or 1-800-535-7252. You can also e-mail them at uposh@upo.org. It might be some time before a van can pick them up so encourage the person to go to a coffee shop or a store nearby to get warm until the van comes. It would be great if you can offer to buy them a warm drink like coffee or tea or hot chocolate.
 
Some people may not want to go to a shelter. That is their right; you cannot force them to go. Please be respectful. HOWEVER, if the person seems to be suffering from hypothermia and you feel that their life is at risk you should call 911.
 
Here are the signs of hypothermia:
  • Shivering - shivering may not be evident since it can stop once hypothermia progresses beyond a certain point. In fact, shivering is actually a good sign that a person's heat regulation systems are still active.
  • Slow, shallow breathing.
  • Confusion and memory loss.
  • Drowsiness or exhaustion
  • Slurred or mumbled speech.
  • Loss of coordination, fumbling hands, stumbling steps
  • A slow, weak pulse
  • In severe hypothermia, a person may be unconscious without obvious signs of breathing or a pulse.                                
How to get more involved:
Volunteers with Capitol Hill Group Ministry walk around Union Station and up and down Pennsylvania Ave SE every night the temperature is below freezing to check on folks without shelter. These are called HART walks. Anyone interested in participating should contact:
 
Abby Sypek
Capitol Hill Group Ministry
HART (Homeless Assistance Response Team) Coordinator
Office: 202-544-0631 x200
Cell: 202-320-7702


Call or email me with any questions or concerns.



Peace,

Justi
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St. Marks Episcopal Church-Capitol Hill | 301 A Street SE | Washington | DC | 20003