While many people in the region will be staying inside their homes once the winter storm arrives this weekend, some in D.C. will be looking for refuge inside the city’s shelters.
Under a cold alert, the District assist its homeless community by increasing the amount of shelter access during “hypothermic weather conditions.” Unhoused residents have access to use a low-barrier shelter — a year-round emergency housing facility with few requirements needed for entry — or a hypothermia shelter opened by the city.
Rachel Pierre, director of D.C.’s Department of Human Services, told WTOP for the upcoming storm, the city has activated close to 1,700 beds and can add more if necessary. The department’s outreach team has been trying to get the word out about the extra beds while distributing blankets, hats and hand warmers to the region’s homeless community…