Winter has been pretty mild so far, but the cold weather is here, and Mayor Mary Walsh is reminding us to take proper precautions. Check on elderly neighbors, and if you see a person in need of shelter or who is not properly dress for the cold, please call 911.
Emergency Shelter Operations
- The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) coordinates a city-wide network of emergency shelters, outreach providers, city agencies and first responders to assist those in need of shelter. Emergency shelters are open 24 hours and will accept any person in need. Winter overflow shelters were opened in December; men can access shelters through 112 Southampton Street, and women should go to the Woods-Mullen Shelter at 794 Massachusetts Ave. BPHC and the City are working closely with shelter providers to ensure that no client is without shelter, food, resources, and a warm respite from the cold.
- BPHC and EMS are working with several other community partners to to actively seek out individuals and help them find shelter and provide food, clothing, blankets, medical assistance to those in need.
- During extreme cold weather, street outreach teams operate with extended hours and provide mobile outreach vans on the streets two hours earlier in the evening and throughout the day. If you see a person in need of shelter or who is not properly dress for the cold, please call 911.
Photo credit: bgrimmni, 2014