The District Government has announced changes to service operations for the holiday. According to an official release from the Office of the Mayor, essential services will continue while others are modified due to the observance of Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28. District residents can expect certain facilities and services to have altered schedules during this time.
Emergency shelters remain a priority, with all low-barrier shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness operational and accessible 24/7. Specific locations, such as Harriet Tubman, Pat Handy, and the LGBTQ+ focused Living Life Alternative places of refuge are open for those in need. These efforts are part of the District's commitment to serving its most vulnerable citizens, especially during the cold season when hypothermia shelters extend hours in response to Extreme Cold Alerts. However, note that the St. Josephine Bakhita shelter operates with limited hours, opening only from 7 pm to 7 am.
For residents facing mental health or substance abuse crises, the District's Department of Behavioral Health extends a lifeline with its 24/7 services offered through various locations and contact numbers. The DBH encourages people to reach out for help, offering transportation to voluntary care when necessary. These essential services remain steadfast in the city's support system during the holidays. Additionally, the DC Stabilization Center and the emergency psychiatric clinic CPEP are available round-the-clock for walk-ins in need, according to the same press release.
Outdoor recreation remains available for the community with parks, playgrounds, athletic courts, and fields open for public use. DPR has maintained that all previously permitted events will go on as scheduled, providing citizens a way to enjoy the holiday outdoors. Waste collection services provided by the DC Department of Public Works will experience a "slide" in schedule, with pickups delayed to the following day for the remainder of the week. It's worth mentioning that on Thursday, November 27, parking enforcement will be suspended, giving residents a brief respite from the usual hustle of finding legal parking spots or avoiding ticketing.
However, not all services will be available. DC Public Schools, libraries, certain recreational facilities, and numerous administrative offices will close for two days, resuming normal hours after the break. The changes extend to the DMV and other non-emergency governmental operations, directing residents to online resources during the closure period. For those who need more details on which services are operational and which are not, the Mayor's official release provides comprehensive guidance.
