Warming Shelters Open Around Mount Vernon

MOUNT VERNON, VA—Warming shelters are open in the Mount Vernon area as frigid temperatures and gusty winds linger from the bomb cyclone passing through. Thanks to thousands of volunteers, about 1,000 people in the city and county receive shelter during the winter season each year.

Within Mount Vernon, the closest warming shelter is Rising Hope United Methodist Church at 8220 Russell Road. A partnership of over 17 faith-based organizations in Mount Vernon, Hybla Valley and South County provides a warm bed, hot meal in the evening and breakfast items. The shelter is open from 6:30 p.m.-7 a.m. daily and can accomodate 24 people.

Another option nearby is the Eleanor U. Kennedy Shelter at 9155 Richmond Hwy, Fort Belvoir. The shelter opens at 4:30 p.m. each evening and runs through March 31.

Needy families with children can also call 703-222-0880 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to get access to the four county shelters serving families. Nurse from the Fairfax County Health Department will visit all warming shelters at least once a week to provide medical care and flu vaccines free of charge.

According to the National Weather Service, wind chills could range from 5 degrees to -10 degrees as the wind chill advisory is in effect through noon Friday. Residents that see people at risk of hypothermia should call Fairfax County Police's non-emergency number at 703-691-2131.

For a full list of warming shelters in Fairfax County, click here.

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