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Washington, DC—February 1—Central Union Mission sheltering the homeless during DC’s weather emergencies. “People need to know that it’s dangerous—even deadly—to be outside in these temperatures,” commented Joseph Mettimano, President & CEO at Central Union Mission. “The substance abuse or mental illness that puts people on the street in the first place will also prevent them from seeking help. They might resist our concern, but regardless of their attitude, their rags and cardboard boxes are no match for snow and cold.”
If you see a homeless person outside today, call DC’s Hypothermia Hotline: 202-399-7093. State the location and describe the clothing of that person, and the city’s hypothermia van will transport him or her to a warm shelter or a hospital, if necessary.
Since the District is required to provide shelter for anyone that needs it during weather that has below freezing wind chills between November 1 and March 31, Monday’s continued snow forecast has put our preparations in high gear. “While safety precautions implemented during the pandemic have reduced the number of beds the shelter is able to provide, they provide food, water and warm winter items for those who come to our doors. More importantly, we contact DC’s Hypothermia Hotline to get the person to warm, dry shelter,” said Mr. Mettimano.
The Mission hopes anyone witnessing someone homeless on the streets during this storm will contact the Hypothermia Hotline because no one in our city should die in a snowstorm.
To coordinate socially distanced interviews with shelter guests affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mission President & CEO Joseph Mettimano, please contact Rev. Deborah Chambers at 202-534-9965 or dchambers@missiondc.org.
About Central Union Mission:
Central Union Mission is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the oldest private social service agency in Washington, DC. In addition to its emergency shelter, which provides more than 60,000 bed-nights each year, the Mission operates holistic, Christ-centered transformation and workforce development programs for men, provides benefits for veterans, helps people overcome addictions, operates a food and clothing distribution center which provides food for over 4,000 people each month, runs a camp for underprivileged children, and offers a ministry to families and senior citizens. Charity Navigator has rated Central Union Mission a three-star charity, GuideStar awarded Central Union Mission a Gold Seal for our financial transparency and GreatNonProfits has given Central Union Mission a Top-Rated award.
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