By Dervin Brown and Giselle Logan | Shelter Hotline Program Mgr. and Writer
Every day in Washington, DC, lives are transformed because of your support. The UPO Shelter Hotline is more than a service — it’s a promise to our unhoused neighbors that they are seen, valued, and cared for. Your generosity fuels this promise, delivering not only urgent care but also hope for brighter tomorrows.
A Year of Impact: The Difference You Made
Thanks to your contributions, the Shelter Hotline achieved remarkable results this year:
♦ 69,361 emergency calls answered, connecting people to vital shelter and resources.
♦ 42,309 transports provided, ensuring safe journeys to shelters, day programs, and critical services.
♦ 187,787 essential items distributed, including blankets, warm clothing, and meals, offering comfort and survival during harsh conditions.
Behind these numbers are stories of resilience, made possible by your compassion and commitment.
Guiding Light: The Shelter Hotline’s Impact on One Woman's Night
On a freezing November night, a woman experiencing homelessness called the Shelter Hotline, seeking guidance for the days ahead. She was scared, unsure of where to turn. Our dispatcher listened patiently, helping her identify the shelter that best met her needs.
As their call ended, she shared heartfelt words:
"You have excellent customer service. Thank you for answering all my questions — you’ve been such a great help tonight."
Because of you, this woman found a safe place to sleep, and more importantly, the reassurance that someone cared about her.
Empowering DC’s Future: The Youth Initiative
Homeless youth face unique challenges that require innovative solutions. Last year, we launched the Shelter Hotline Youth Initiative to provide transportation tailored for unhoused young people (ages 18–24). This program connects them to youth drop-in centers where they can access counseling, education, and healthcare.
With every ride, these youth are finding pathways to stability, independence, and hope for a brighter future.
Every Call, Every Ride, Every Blanket: You Make It Possible
During DC’s hypothermia season (November through March), the Shelter Hotline operates around the clock, ensuring no one has to endure dangerous weather conditions alone. Our drivers patrol the city, conducting wellness checks and distributing critical supplies, while our dispatchers tirelessly connect callers to life-saving resources.
None of this would be possible without you. Your support ensures that every act of kindness—every call answered, every blanket distributed, every ride provided—makes a profound and lasting impact.
Your Support Changes Lives
Because of you, thousands of individuals and families in our city are finding safety, warmth, and the first steps toward stability. But there’s still so much more to be done.
How You Can Help
♦ Share our mission. Let others know about the vital work of the Shelter Hotline.
♦ Donate to sustain this life-saving program. Every dollar goes directly toward supporting our most vulnerable neighbors.
♦ If you or someone you know is in need, call our Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093.
Together, we’re creating a future where no one in DC is left out in the cold. Thank you for joining us on this journey.
By Vanessa Austin | Program Director, Permanent Supportive Housing
By Dervin Brown | Shelter Hotline Program Mgr.
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