For 15 years, the Hypothermia Prevention Program has provided shelter for Fairfax County’s most vulnerable residents during the winter months. Each, year the program serves over 1,000 individuals who are experiencing homeless and are exposed to the harsh and dangerously cold winter weather in our community. This year’s Hypothermia Prevention Program will operate from December 1, 2021, through March 31, 2022.

If you see someone who is unsheltered and you think is at risk of hypothermia, please contact Fairfax County’s non-emergency Police phone number at 703-691-2131.

What is Hypothermia?

Hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposure to very cold temperatures where the body begins to lose heat faster than it is produced and the regulatory system begins to fail. An individual with mild hypothermia (core temperature of 94 to 84 degrees) may be conscious, but will be lethargic, apathetic, cool, and pale. An individual with severe hypothermia (when the body’s core temperature drops below 84 degrees) will likely be unconscious with cold skin and rigid muscles.

Look for these warning signs:

• Shivering

• Exhaustion

• Confusion

• Fumbling hands

• Memory loss

• Slurred speech

• Drowsiness

Shelter Locations

Individual adults in need of immediate shelter, food, and other supportive services may contact or visit any of the following locations (note that some locations may have limited hours of operation):

• Eleanor Kennedy Shelter (24/7) 9155 Richmond Highway, Fort Belvoir 703-799-0200
  

• Rising Hope United Methodist Mission Church (6:30 p.m. to 7 a.m.) 8220 Russel Road, Alexandria
  

• Embry Rucker Community Shelter (24/7) 11975 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston 703-437-1975
  

• North County Human Services Center (5 p.m. to 7 a.m.) 1850 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston
  

• Bailey’s Shelter and Supportive Housing (24/7) 5914 Seminary Road, Falls Church 703-820-7621
  

• Friends of Falls Church Winter Shelter (6 p.m. to 8 a.m.) For referrals, contact KStanley@NewHopeHousing.org or LHyman@NewHopeHousing.org
  

• Rotating Faith Community Sites in Falls Church and Alexandria Call 703-820-7621
  

• Rotating Faith Community Sites in Fairfax and Centreville Call 703-352-5090
  

Adults with children (ages 0-17) should contact Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880 (TTY 711), Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:40 pm for referrals to family-oriented support and services. If you need assistance after hours, please contact or visit one of the county’s family shelters:

• Katherine K. Hanley 12970 Katherine Hanley Court, Fairfax, VA 22030 571-522-6800, TTY 703-988-0256
  

• Embry Rucker Community Shelter 11975 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, VA 20190 703-437-1975, TTY 711
  

• Patrick Henry Family Shelter 3080 Patrick Henry Drive, Falls Church, VA 22044 703-536-2155, TTY 711

Additional Information

For additional information, please visit the Hypothermia Prevention Program website or contact the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness at 703-324-9492, TTY 711, or by email at OPEHGeneralMail@fairfaxcounty.gov.