Fairfax County Shelters Open Through April 1 Due To Cold Weather

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Now through April 1, Fairfax County residents without warmth and shelter can turn to the Hypothermia Prevention Program. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, Fairfax County has identified shelter locations with enough space to provide for social distancing.

An estimated 1,200 residents rely on the program to avoid being exposed to the dangerous winter elements. According to the county, an average of 215 guests were cared for each night last year. Those who stay at one of the shelters are given food, a warm place to sleep and other supportive services such as clothing.

"For 15 years, the life-saving mission of the Hypothermia Prevention Program has been fulfilled through the extraordinary assistance of numerous community nonprofits and houses of worship,” Tom Barnett, deputy director for the department of housing and community development’s office to prevent and end homelessness, said. “This year, we needed to get creative as many of our previous partners have insufficient space to safely accommodate guests in a COVID-19 environment. We are grateful for the support of our county leadership, staff and our community partners for their engagement in helping formulate a solution for using vacant and under-utilized public facilities to ensure that everyone can find warm shelter this winter.”

The following shelter locations are now open for the 2020-2021 program season, which runs through April 1:

• Eleanor Kennedy Shelter (9155 Richmond Highway, Fort Belvoir)
• Bailey’s Shelter and Supportive Housing (5914 Seminary Road, Falls Church)
• Embry Rucker Community Shelter (11975 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston)
• Gerry Hyland Government Center (8350 Richmond Highway, Alexandria)
• North County Human Services Building (1850 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston)
• The Former Container Store (8508 Leesburg Pike, Vienna)

Shelters operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will be constantly monitored by program staff.