The Warming Center at the Downtown Day Services Center is now open
For years Ward 8 residents were pushing for a Daytime Service Center in Congress Heights but for a variety of reasons (namely community infighting), we could never get it off the ground. That said, my understanding is that a daytime center will be included in the new multimillion-dollar development of the new men’s shelter on the Saint Elizabeths East Campus.
Unsheltered District residents in need of a warm place to be may visit the Warming Center at the Downtown DC Business Improvement District.
Day Services Center
313 New York Avenue, NW
The Center is open Monday - Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Warming Centers and Facilities
The Department of Human Services (DHS), in collaboration with the District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), will continue the activation of the city's Cold Emergency Plan. Under a “Cold Emergency Alert” additional services and supports are provided to protect residents from life-threatening illness and injury associated with severe cold weather.
The DC Government activates the Cold Emergency Plan when the temperature and wind chill drop to 15° F or when the temperature, with wind chill, is 20° F and there is an accompanying meteorological event such as snow. DHS, HSEMA, and other agencies have determined that the weather, as forecasted, presents a danger, especially to residents who are experiencing homelessness.