Washington, DC—Department of Human Services (DHS) Interim Director Brian Wilbon today announced the release of the agency’s 2006-2007 winter plan and the start of hypothermia season, which begins November 1, 2006, and extends through March 31, 2007. Hypothermia season marks the time of year when the temperature is likely to dip below freezing levels, placing those living outdoors at-risk of illness or death. During this time, additional shelters are opened and the city’s permanent shelters remain open for 24 hours.

Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition occurring when a person’s body temperature goes below 95 degrees due to exposure to cold and wet conditions. It is particularly dangerous for persons who are disabled by substance abuse or mental illness and may be unaware that their body temperature has fallen to the point of danger. The DHS 2006-2007 Winter Plan describes the efforts of DHS and its partners to provide temporary emergency shelter to individuals and families who are homeless during the winter months.

“The Department of Human Services has a comprehensive plan in place and we have put the appropriate resources in place so that we can be ready when the temperature drops to dangerous levels this year,” said Wilbon.

The plan also includes the availability of a Hypothermia Shelter Hotline number (1-800-535-7252) that citizens can call to have persons who are homeless and living outdoors in freezing temperatures picked up by a van and transported to a local shelter. Citizens who are homeless and who wish to remain on the street are given hot beverages, food, blankets, and other supplies to help keep them warm.

The District has budgeted approximately $1.3 million for hypothermia shelter for single adult men and women and for expanded emergency family shelters. This will provide for a total of 1,761 beds for men, 407 for women, and 266 for families available at shelter sites throughout the District.

DHS will launch its “Hypothermia Watch Partner” public information campaign this month to help bring homeless persons in from the cold. The campaign advertises the shelter hotline number via radio, TV, newspaper, Metro bus and rail advertisements.

“We need the public’s help to keep homeless individuals and families warm and safe from hyperthermia this winter,” said Wilbon. “If you see a homeless person on the street during freezing temperatures, please contact the Shelter Hotline at 1-800-535-7252 to report their location.”

DHS urges the media to help bring persons who are homeless in from the cold by publicizing the Hypothermia Shelter Hotline (1-800-535-7252) when temperatures reach freezing levels. For more information about the DHS 2006-2007 Winter Plan, please contact Debra Daniels at (202) 671-4422.