For some, this Thanksgiving week's cold snap in the Bay Area will add a touch of scenic seasonality to the inauguration of the holidays. But for the city's homeless residents, the falling temperatures and predicted wind and rain pose a very real, potentially life-threatening danger.
Beginning today, November 26, the city's Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing announced the implementation of its inclement weather program.
Worried about someone who is living outside during the upcoming cold/wet weather? We are too. HSH is activating its cold/wet weather response, Nov 26th-Dec 1st. Learn more here https://t.co/xfSXtycf3A Help unhoused neighbors come inside @LondonBreed @ECS_SF @SVDPSF @SF311 pic.twitter.com/jVZOlbxaT4
— SF HSH (@SF_HSH) November 25, 2019
Between Tuesday and the following Sunday, Dec. 1, the city will add 75 sleeping mats to its adult shelter system, step up outdoor wellness checks, and increase resource distribution. This will provide some supplement to the city's already overloaded support system.
Adults in need of shelter can call 311 daily between 8 p.m. and midnight for information about extra beds available. St. Vincent de Paul's MSC South, at 525 5th Street, is open 24/7 and will have information about available mats or vacancies in the regular shelter system.
One-night shelter reservations are also available beginning 4:30 p.m. daily:
- Glide Walk-In Center, 330 Ellis Street, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Mission Neighborhood Resource Center, 165 Capp Street, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – noon & 2–7 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m. – noon
- United Council, 2111 Jennings Street, daily, 7 p.m. – 9 a.m.
Families in need of shelter can visit the Emergency Family Shelter at First Friendship, 501 Steiner Street, between 3-8 p.m. for an overnight stay.
The city has also established its schedule for the Interfaith Winter Shelter Program, including access procedures.
SF's Winter Interfaith Shelter opens tonight. With thanks to @LondonBreed , @SF_Interfaith ,@ECS_SF and community volunteers, interfaith shelter allows HSH to shelter more people during the winter in addition to expansions for particularly wet or cold nights. pic.twitter.com/fUIe7eltVG
— SF HSH (@SF_HSH) November 24, 2019
How else can you help? If you see an individual or family in need of shelter, you can provide their location and description to 311 (ask for a shelter/wellness check) or by calling 911 for situations requiring immediate medical or emergency care.
