Montgomery County Continues to Urge Homeless Individuals to Seek Shelter During Extreme Cold Temperatures

For Immediate Release: Thursday, January 4, 2018

Montgomery County Health and Human Services staff, as well as community-based providers will reach out to homeless individuals in the community to urge them to seek shelter during periods of extreme cold temperatures.

 

“We are committed to helping those who are most vulnerable in the community remain safe,” said County Executive Isiah Leggett.  “To ensure that, we are working hard to encourage individuals who are homeless to come to our emergency shelters during this period of extreme cold temperatures.” 

  

Every year from November 1 through March 31, there are winter emergency shelters, the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless Men’s Emergency Shelter, located at 600 East Gude Drive in Rockville; and at the Interfaith Works Progress Place Shelter, located at 8106 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring. 

 

During Hypothermia and Cold Emergency Alerts or other adverse winter weather such as an impending storm, shelters will remain open during the day providing a warm place for unsheltered homeless individuals.  All homeless street outreach teams will extend hours to include evenings and weekends and will assertively engage unsheltered individuals, encouraging them to seek shelter.

 

Anyone who has a concern about the safety of a homeless individual should call the police non-emergency number 301-279-8000 to report the location and provide a description of the individual.  The emergency shelters are available around-the-clock to receive homeless individuals, without any pre-screening.  During the Cold Emergency Alerts and during Hypothermia Alerts, space will be provided for everyone seeking shelter.

All Montgomery County facilities, such as libraries, recreation centers and senior centers open during their regular hours can be used by anyone needing an escape from the cold. Public shopping centers are also available as warm locations during their hours of operation.

Media Contact: Mary Anderson, office number listed below or cell 301-529-7669

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Release ID: 18-439
Media Contact: Mary Anderson 240-777-6534