The frigid temperatures bracing the region Sunday won’t last through the week, but social service agencies are reaching out to help keep the homeless warm. The mercury wasn’t expected to climb out of the 20s Sunday, and will barely break freezing today.
By Tuesday it’ll warm back up to the mid-40s, the National Weather Service predicts, although it’ll remain chilly at night and return to daytime highs in the 30s later in the week. Temperatures, though, aren’t expected to dip into the teens any time soon.
To help keep the area’s homeless safe, the District of Columbia has “hypothermia vans” patrolling the streets and offering free rides to shelters. Also, shelter hours have been extended. District officials are passing out hats, gloves and blankets, and charity workers have been searching the streets for those at risk of hypothermia.
Prince George’s County runs 12- hour overnight shelters for homeless individuals and families from November through March, a program offered through the support of 30 community-based groups organized by the Community Ministry. Arlington County also runs a seasonal shelter with space for 44 people. If more beds are necessary, they can be found at area churches and, under extreme circumstances, in detention centers. Montgomery County has also extended the operation hours of its facilities.
