Our Hypothermia Prevention Program is in place to ensure no one experiencing homelessness sleeps outside during the winter. The program provides warm shelter, food, clothing, connections to supportive services and more for unhoused individuals.
5 Things to Know About the Program
1. If you see someone who is unsheltered and you think is at risk for hypothermia, call 703-691-2131 TTY 711. This is the non-emergency police number. A police officer will respond and conduct a wellness check.
2. Unhoused adults in need of immediate shelter are welcome at any of our adult shelters or one of the regional Hypothermia Prevention Program locations. Simply go straight to the shelter.
3. Unhoused adults with children should contact our Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880, TTY 711, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. County staff will connect the family with appropriate shelter and resources. Families needing assistance after business hours should go directly to a designated shelter or call in advance. See this list for “Adults with Children” locations.
4. The program operates Dec. 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025, but overflow shelter capacity is also available now if unseasonably cold weather occurs.
5. Ending homelessness is a team effort. The Hypothermia Prevention Program is administered in partnership with nonprofits, faith organizations and community groups.
Shelter Locations
Individual adults in need of immediate shelter, food and other supportive services may contact or visit any of the following locations (note that some locations may have limited hours of operation):
- Eleanor Kennedy Shelter (24/7)
9155 Richmond Highway, Fort Belvoir - Rising Hope United Methodist Mission Church (6:30 p.m. to 7 a.m.)
8220 Russel Road, Alexandria - Embry Rucker Community Shelter (24/7)
11975 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston
703-437-1975 - North County Human Services Center (5 p.m. to 7 a.m.)
1850 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston - Bailey’s Shelter and Supportive Housing (24/7)
5914 Seminary Road, Falls Church
703-820-7621 - Friends of Falls Church Winter Shelter (6 p.m. to 8 a.m.)
Referral only. Contact sellis@newhopehousing.org or lhyman@newhopehousing.org - Rotating Faith Community Sites in Falls Church and Alexandria
703-820-7621 - Rotating Faith Community Sites in Fairfax and Centreville
703-352-5090
Adults with children (up to age 17) should contact Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880, TTY 711, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for referrals to family-oriented support and services. If you need help after hours, contact or visit one of the county’s family shelters:
- Katherine K. Hanley
12970 Katherine Hanley Court, Fairfax
571-522-6800, TTY 703-988-0256 - Embry Rucker Community Shelter
11975 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston
703-437-1975, TTY 711 - Patrick Henry Family Shelter
3080 Patrick Henry Drive, Falls Church
703-536-2155, TTY 711 - Next Steps Family Program
Various locations countywide
703-360-1727
What is Hypothermia?
Hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposure to very cold temperatures where the body begins to lose heat faster than it is produced. An individual with mild hypothermia (core temperature of 94 to 84 degrees) may be conscious, but will be lethargic, apathetic, cool and pale. An individual with severe hypothermia (core temperature drops below 84 degrees) will likely be unconscious with cold skin and rigid muscles.
Look for these warning signs:
- Shivering
- Exhaustion
- Confusion
- Fumbling hands
- Memory loss
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
For Additional Information
Print and share our flyer (English or Spanish PDF) that lists shelter locations.
For additional information, contact the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness at 703-324-9492, TTY 711, or OPEHGeneralMail@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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