Hypothermia Prevention and Response Programs

Volunteers of America Chesapeake’s hypothermia prevention and response programs provide emergency shelter, meals and crisis intervention during the coldest months of the year. These programs serve homeless men and women each night from November through February. The program provides shelter, two hot meals (breakfast and dinner) and a bagged lunch. Also provided is access to case management and medical treatment as well as mental health and substance abuse services.

In addition to the caring professionalism of Volunteers of America Chesapeake’s homeless services staff, this life-saving service wouldn’t be possible without faith partners throughout the region, who open their sanctuaries in partnership with Volunteers of America Chesapeake's programs to ensure that no one is left in the cold. “We have more than 15 churches who participate during hypothermia,” says Elizabeth Hodge, senior program director at Chesapeake’s Bailey’s Crossroads Community Shelter in Falls Church, Va. “These church partners allow us to maximize our capacity to care for individuals beyond just our facilities.”