| Washington, DC—January 31, 2019—Central Union Mission makes room for more than 20 extra men to help the city during DC’s hypothermia emergencies. “People need to know that it’s dangerous—even deadly—to be outside in these temperatures,” commented Joseph Mettimano, Central Union Mission President & CEO. “The substance abuse or mental illness that put 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 this kind of cold.”
The number of people experiencing homelessness has put a larger burden on shelters like Central Union Mission and the city’s rescue transport. If you see a homeless person outside today, call DC’s Hypothermia Hotline: 1-800-535-7252. 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, the cold temperatures have put our preparations in high gear. Central Union Mission’s usual capacity is 170, but we have mattresses for 20 more men during weather emergencies. Along with a safe sleeping space, our guests are provided nutritious meals, hot showers and warm clothing. Central Union Mission’s services are funded by private donors who care about the homeless in Washington, DC.
For more information about the Mission’s efforts during the cold emergency or to interview someone sheltering at the Mission, please contact 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 almost 60,000 bed-nights each year, the Mission operates a holistic, Christ-centered transformation and workforce development program for men, provides benefits for veterans, helps people overcome addictions, operates a food and clothing distribution center which provides food for over 4000 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 as a three start 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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