How to Help the Homeless Survive the Cold
Why is it so freezing cold?
We do the news, not the weather, so we really don't know.
But we do know that no one should be sleeping outside in these temperatures.
How to help the homeless survive the cold wherever you live
Whether you want to point someone to a warm place to sleep, or find a place to volunteer, check this national directory to find local homeless shelters in your community.
Many cities urge residents to call 311 if they see someone in need, so they can send trained staff to check on them and find them shelter. Washington DC has a designated hypothermia hotline (202.399.7093), which we think is an excellent model you can urge your own city to adopt. Craig Newmark (yes, Craigslist Craig!) also has a great, longer list of city-by-city resources here.
Join the longer-term fight against homelessness by connecting with the National Coalition for the Homeless, including its National Campaign for Youth Shelter. According to the campaign, there are over 500,000 young people experiencing homelessness but only 4,000 available youth shelter beds.