Everyone needs a place to sleep and keep their belongings. But Fairfax County shelters are open at night only during the coldest months (Dec-Mar). Once this "hypothermia" program ends each year, our houseless neighbors lose critical access to shelter and services. As a small but important step toward giving our most vulnerable neighbors some much needed security, please ask your district supervisor to advance the following shelter reforms in 2026:

1. Implement a year-round “no turn away” policy at shelters in response to "Heavy Precipitation" and "Flash Flood" warnings.
2. Prioritize vulnerable 65+ persons for shelter placement and services, as is the case for families with children under 18.