November 7, 2025
Dear Washingtonians,
With temperatures expected to drop this weekend into next week, I want to remind everyone that we can all play a role in keeping our community safe during frigid weather.
Through the Shelter Hotline, we have free, accessible transportation to a shelter for people in our city who need it. You can request transportation for yourself or someone else, and calling the Shelter Hotline (either by calling 202-399-7093 or by dialing 311) is a simple process that takes less than a minute. When you call the Shelter Hotline, you will be asked to share as much detail as you can, including the location and a brief description of the person who may need help. The team will send someone out to do a welfare check and, hopefully, bring that person into safe shelter.
Here's when to make the call:
- If someone asks for help getting to a shelter or for other homeless services.
- If someone looks cold, confused, or vulnerable to the weather.
- If conditions are severe, and you see someone without proper clothing or shelter.
The hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you believe someone is in immediate danger, please call 911.
To help you stay informed, the District issues Cold Alerts and Extreme Cold Alerts when temperatures or wind chills make being outside unsafe. You can sign up for alerts at alert.dc.gov and find safety tips and resources at cold.dc.gov.
Check on your neighbors, spread the word, sign the Hypothermia Awareness Pledge, and call the Shelter Hotline if you see someone in need. Together, we can make sure every Washingtonian has a safe, warm place to be this winter.
Sincerely,
  Find photos from this week on Facebook.
Get ready for a fun winter with DPR! Registration is now open for winter programs across all eight wards, from swim lessons and pickleball to theater, dance, and gymnastics. Young people can also take part in empowering initiatives like Supreme Teens, Young Ladies on the Rise, and Young Men Future Leaders. There’s something for everyone, so explore what’s available and register now!
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This week, Mayor Bowser joined DC Health and the Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) to open the new DC Animal Shelter at DC Village, a nearly 30,000-square foot campus that replaces the New York Avenue facility. The new shelter brings all public animal services under one roof, including adoptions, wellness, spay and neuter, and animal care and control.
Come meet your new best friend—adoption fees are waived through Sunday, November 9!
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When: DC Animal Shelter, 4 DC Village Lane SW
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Where:
- Tuesday through Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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More information: Call 202-888-PETS or visit bvspca.org/dc
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The DC Department of Public Works (DPW) will not collect household trash, recycling, and food waste on Tuesday, November 11. Trash and recycling collections will “slide” for the remainder of the week into Saturday. For example, households that normally receive trash and recycling collections on Tuesday will be serviced on Wednesday. Leaf collection will operate on schedule.
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Learn more about modifications to District services here
DC’s own Washington Spirit are heading to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Playoffs and will host Racing Louisville FC in the quarterfinal round this Saturday. The Spirit are ready to defend their home turf and make another run for the championship. Let’s fill Audi Field and cheer them on!
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When: Saturday, November 8 at 12:00 p.m.
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Where: Audi Field, 100 Potomac Avenue SW
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Purchase tickets here
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 Leaf collection is underway in Section A. Rake your leaves into the tree box or curb in front of your home. Paper bags are welcome if you’d like, but please don’t use plastic bags, as they can’t be composted. Check your collection section and sign up for updates to stay informed.
Section B: Rake out by Sunday, November 16!
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