As Hurricane Florence approached the East Coast, the Category 4 hurricane fluctuated in intensity and hit the coasts of North and South Carolina as a Category 1 storm. The wind intensity has diminished but the Federal Emergency Management Agency cautioned that the forecast for heavy rainfall, storm surge and flooding remains unchanged.
Though it does not look like the District will be bearing the brunt of the storm, the Department of Human Services is acting preemptively to ensure that people experiencing homelessness have access to shelter.
“Several rec centers have been identified to be open if we do see any additional inclement weather occur,” said Melvyn Smith, the homeless services outreach coordinator for DHS. “However, most District agencies have suggested this will not be necessary. They will be on standby.”
Low-barrier shelters will remain open from the evening of Thursday, Sept. 13 until the morning of Monday, Sept. 17. The Adam’s Place Day Center will be open to anyone from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. but will serve as an emergency overflow shelter for women from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. through Sunday. There are no Red Cross shelters open in the D.C. metro area.
Smith also noted The Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness will coordinate the delivery of meals, snacks and water to shelters. Outreach teams from DHS, the Department of Behavioral Health, and local nonprofits will be out in the community informing people about the extended shelter hours. Shuttle buses will also be operating 24/7 to transport people to shelters and to inform anyone they pass who appears to be staying on the street about the extended shelter hours.
On Sept. 13, as the storm shifted farther south, Mayor Muriel Bowser rescinded the 15-day state of emergency she had previously declared, according to a press release. The extended shelter resources remain in place.
If anyone is in need during the storm, they can call the shelter hotline at 202-399-7093 or call 311. In cases of emergency, call 911.
