Helping People Without Homes Stay Safe in the Cold

For people experiencing homelessness, a New England winter can be dangerous. Freezing temperatures, wind and wet snow raise the risk of cold-related illness, and long nights make everything harder. Many people want to help when they see someone sleeping outside or asking for help on a frigid day, but they are not sure what to do or say.

This guide offers respectful, practical ways to help, along with clear guidance on when to call for professional help.

Start with respect

People experiencing homelessness are neighbors, each with their own story, needs and dignity. A few principles guide every interaction:

• See the person. Make eye contact, smile and say hello, even if you have nothing to give. Being ignored is one of the most common experiences people describe.
• Ask, do not assume. “Is there anything you need today?” is better than deciding for someone.
• Respect choices. Some people decline help or prefer not to go to a shelter for reasons that make sense to them. Offer information, not pressure.
• Protect privacy. Never take photos or video of someone without their clear permission, and do not post about them online.
• Keep yourself safe. Trust your instincts, stay in public view and keep interactions brief if you feel uncomfortable.

Know when it is an emergency

Cold weather can become life-threatening. Call 911 if someone:

• Is unresponsive or very difficult to wake.
• Seems confused, has slurred speech or is stumbling.
• Is shivering uncontrollably, or has stopped shivering in severe cold.
• Has skin that looks pale, waxy or discolored, especially on fingers, toes, ears or the nose.
• Is wet and outside in freezing temperatures.
• Asks for medical help.

Stay nearby if it is safe to do so, and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.

Know the non-emergency resources

When there is no immediate danger but someone needs shelter or services, local resources can help. Before winter, look up:

1. Emergency shelters and warming centers in your city or town. Many communities open additional warming centers during extreme cold; check your municipality’s website or announcements.
2. Street outreach teams, which some cities and nonprofits operate to connect with people living outside. Some have phone lines that the public can call.
3. 2-1-1, which in many states, including Massachusetts, connects callers with information about shelters and other services.
4. Meal programs and day centers that offer warm food and a place to get out of the cold during daytime hours.

Write this information on a small card you can keep in your wallet or share with someone who asks.

What you can carry to help

Some people keep a few items in their bag or car during winter to offer when appropriate. Common, useful items include:

• New warm socks, one of the most requested items
• Gloves or mittens
• Knit hats
• Hand warmers
• Bottled water
• Easy-to-eat, soft snacks like granola bars, crackers or nut butter packets
• A small card with local shelter and resource information

Some people assemble “warmth kits” in zip-top bags with a few of these items. Offer them, do not insist, and accept a “no thanks” gracefully.

Giving money: a personal choice

Whether to give cash directly is a personal decision, and thoughtful people come to different conclusions. Some give small amounts directly; others prefer to give food, items or support to organizations that provide shelter and services. Both choices can come from a place of care. What matters most is treating each person with kindness, whatever you decide.

Helping through organizations

Shelters, outreach programs and meal programs often need support, especially in winter. Ways to help include:

• Donating requested items. Check wish lists first; needs often include new socks, underwear, coats, blankets, toiletries and specific foods.
• Volunteering to serve meals, sort donations or help with special events. Many programs require orientation, and some need volunteers most on holidays and weekends.
• Organizing a drive for items an organization has specifically requested.
• Offering professional skills, such as haircuts, tax preparation, legal or medical help through organized programs.

Always contact organizations before dropping off items, so your donation matches what they can use and store.

Talking with kids

Children often notice people living outside and have questions. Answer honestly and simply: anyone can face hard times, and some people do not have a safe place to live right now. Encourage empathy and avoid labels. Families can help together by assembling warmth kits, writing notes to include, or volunteering with family-friendly programs.

Advocating for longer-term solutions

Winter help is important, but it does not end homelessness. Neighbors who want to make a longer-term difference can learn about local housing needs, attend public meetings where housing and services are discussed, and support organizations working on housing and prevention. Listening to people with lived experience of homelessness is an essential part of understanding what works.

Winter helper checklist

• Learn local shelter, warming center and outreach contacts
• Save 2-1-1 and know when to call 911
• Keep a few warmth items in your bag or car
• Greet people with respect, even without giving
• Never photograph someone without permission
• Check wish lists before donating to organizations