How to Protect Our Outdoor Friends During Extreme Cold

Each winter, large parts of the United States face Arctic blasts, snowstorms, and icy conditions. For many people, winter means layering up, staying indoors, and waiting for warmer days. But for people experiencing homelessness, winter can quickly become a life-or-death situation.

February is a critical time to talk about awareness, action, and community responsibility, especially when it comes to identifying where help is available and connecting people to it.

At Promise Hill Project, we believe that the right step at the right moment can go a long way. We can help our outdoor friends stay warm by sharing information, encouraging action, and offering support whenever possible.

Why winter storms are especially dangerous for people living outdoors

Freezing temperatures affect the human body faster than many people realize. Exposure to cold, wind, snow, and ice dramatically increases the risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Even temperatures slightly above freezing can become deadly when clothing gets wet or when wind chills drop rapidly overnight.

People sleeping outside often lack:

• Dry, insulated clothing
• Wind protection
• Access to warm food and beverages
• Immediate medical care

Snow and ice also increase the risk of falls, injuries, and dehydration. During winter storms, sidewalks, gas station overhangs, bus stops, and doorways, which are the common sleeping areas, offer little protection from extreme cold.

Knowing where warming stations and shelters are located can mean the difference between survival and tragedy.

Spread the word about local warming stations and shelters

One of the most effective ways to help during winter storms is also one of the simplest: share information.

Many cities and counties open emergency warming stations or extend shelter hours during extreme cold events. These locations provide warmth, temporary shelter, and, in many cases, food or medical support. However, people experiencing homelessness may not know when these stations open, where they are located, or how long they operate.

You can help by sharing:

• Names of local shelters or warming stations
• Addresses and transportation options
• Operating hours during winter storms

Posting this information on social media, neighborhood apps, and community message boards helps ensure it reaches people who need it most.

Learn about shelter services and help others access them

Not all shelters offer the same services and understanding what each location provides helps connect people to the right support. Some shelters focus solely on overnight warming, while others offer meals, medical screenings, showers, and long-term resources.

Technology now plays an important role in outreach. Some shelters and nonprofits use mobile apps to streamline assistance and respond more quickly to people in need.

One powerful example is the Our Calling app. We use it often to find where help is needed most. It allows users to:

• Access over 100,000 daily service referrals nationwide
• Learn about food, shelter, medical care, and support programs
• Report homelessness directly so outreach teams can check on individuals

In some cases, users can share a location or photo, enabling trained teams to approach individuals safely and provide assistance. Apps like these turn concern into action and give everyday people a way to help beyond donations.

Why awareness matters during extreme cold

Many people want to help but don’t know where to start. Awareness removes that barrier. When communities understand the risks of freezing weather and know how to connect people to resources, responses become faster and more effective.

Winter storms don’t last forever, but the damage they cause can be permanent. A single cold night without protection can lead to serious injury or worse. Sharing information, learning about available services, and staying alert during extreme weather all contribute to a stronger safety net for our outdoor friends.

Shows up when it matters

Promise Hill Project does not operate a shelter. We do not have a physical location or paid staff. What we do have is a commitment to help whenever possible.

Sometimes that means going out during cold nights to provide immediate relief. We don’t wait for perfect conditions. We do what we can, with what we have, when we have it.

Small actions still matter. Warm socks, a blanket, a meal: all these seemingly small things matter. Human connection matters.

How you can help this winter

You don’t need an organization, a budget, or special training to make a difference. You can:

• Share shelter and warming station information online
• Learn how local outreach apps work
• Check on people you see outdoors during storms
• Offer warm items when it’s safe to do so
• Encourage compassion instead of judgment

Standing together through the cold

At Promise Hill, we believe every effort counts. Warmth, awareness, and compassion can carry someone through the coldest nights, and that makes all the difference.

This winter, let’s come together to care for the most vulnerable among us.