On January 7, as the polar vortex brought frigid temperatures to Washington, Mayor Vincent Gray and rhe city’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) announced a plan to help ensure that all homeless street dwellers would be sheltered from the cold. The plan laid out a 24-hour open door policy in meeting their needs through overflow shelters, emergency warming centers as well as warming buses. The plan would not only be implemented for this particular event but would be activated whenever temperatures drop to dangerous levels, officials said.
In addition, representatives from the city Department of Mental Health would accompany the District mobile homeless outreach services staff to make the necessary referrals to medical or psychiatric facilities or local shelters.
There is something different in the streets of Washington and this effort is it.
These outreach workers are scouring every part of the city, making sure that they reach all or as many individuals as they can, helping them obtain shelter, hot meals, blankets, hand warmers, care packages, and whatever other services they may need. I am absolutely sure that some people will disagree with being given a choice between going into a shelter or being escorted to the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP.)
But keep in mind, when human beings are at risk of possible death due to mental health or substance use issues this mandate saves lives. Keep in mind that in past frigid weather events, street dwellers have died of hypothermia. This winter’s emergency initiative works on the premise that it is better to be safe than sorry. It also demonstrates the idea that this is a city where we not only care about our visitors but about our residents, homeless people included. Well done to D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray and HSEMA. On behalf of the street dwellers population I thank you. Bold moves for a Bolder Future!
