On the coldest nights of a New England winter, temperatures can fall far enough to put anyone sleeping outside at serious risk. People experiencing homelessness face that danger directly, along with wet clothing, limited places to warm up and the exhaustion of constantly moving. Many residents want to help but are unsure what is useful, what is safe and what is respectful.
This guide offers practical ways to support unhoused neighbors during winter, whether you have five minutes on a cold morning or want to make an ongoing commitment.
Know When It Is an Emergency
If you see someone outside in extreme cold who appears unresponsive, confused, unable to move, soaking wet, or showing signs of severe distress, call 911. Describe the location clearly and what you observe. It is far better to call and have responders find the person is okay than to walk past someone in danger.
For non-emergencies, many cities have outreach teams or hotlines that connect people to shelter and services. Statewide in Massachusetts, dialing 2-1-1 can provide information about shelters and related services. Your city or town website may list a specific outreach number. Save those numbers in your phone now so you have them when you need them.
Start With Respect
People experiencing homelessness are neighbors, and many have jobs, families and long ties to the community. Simple courtesy matters:
- Make eye contact and say hello. Being ignored day after day is its own kind of harm.
- Ask before helping. “Would you like a hot coffee?” respects a person’s choice.
- Do not take photos or videos of people without their permission.
- Avoid assumptions about someone’s situation or story.
- Respect a “no thank you” without argument.
Useful Items to Offer Directly
If you choose to offer something directly, small, practical items are often most welcome in winter. Ask first, and keep offerings simple:
- A hot drink or a warm meal
- New warm socks, which are often one of the most requested items
- Hats, gloves and scarves
- Hand and foot warmer packets
- Bottled water and shelf-stable snacks that are easy to eat
- A transit pass or fare card, if you are comfortable offering one
Some people keep a few “winter care bags” in their car or backpack to hand out when they encounter someone in need. A separate guide on this site covers how to assemble care kits thoughtfully.
Support the Organizations Doing This Work Every Night
Individual kindness is valuable, but shelters, outreach teams and day centers provide the sustained support that keeps people alive and helps them move toward housing. During winter, these organizations often face higher demand and need help in several ways.
- Donate what they request. Contact local shelters and outreach programs to ask for current needs. Common requests include new socks, underwear, thermal layers, boots, sleeping bags and toiletries, but always ask.
- Give financially. Money helps organizations buy exactly what they need, keep the heat on, pay staff and respond quickly during cold emergencies.
- Volunteer. Roles may include serving meals, sorting donations, staffing a front desk, preparing hygiene kits or helping with laundry. Many shelters require training or orientation, so reach out well in advance.
- Offer professional skills. Organizations may need help with repairs, technology, accounting or translation.
Warming Centers and Winter Options
During extreme cold, some cities and towns open warming centers or extend shelter hours. Libraries, community centers and similar public spaces may also serve as places to warm up during their regular hours. Pay attention to local announcements during cold snaps so you can share accurate information with neighbors who might need it. Information can change quickly, so encourage people to confirm hours and locations through official city channels or 2-1-1.
Think About Your Own Spaces
If you manage or work at a business, house of worship or community building, consider how your space treats people seeking warmth. Clear, compassionate policies help. Staff who know where to refer people for shelter, which outreach numbers to call and how to de-escalate tense situations make public spaces safer for everyone.
Learn and Advocate Respectfully
Homelessness is tied to many factors, including housing costs, health, income and family circumstances. You do not need to be an expert to help, but learning more makes your support more effective. Attend a public meeting about local housing or shelter plans, listen to people with lived experience and the organizations that serve them, and share accurate information with friends who want to help.
Civic involvement here does not need to be partisan. Showing up to say “our neighbors need safe places to sleep in winter” is a community value many people share.
Small Actions That Add Up
Not everyone can volunteer weekly or donate large sums. Small actions still matter:
- Buy an extra coffee on a cold morning and offer it with a smile.
- Add a pack of new socks to your grocery cart and drop it at a shelter.
- Save outreach and 2-1-1 numbers in your phone and share them with friends.
- Organize a sock or glove drive at work or school with a confirmed partner.
- Check on people you see regularly in your neighborhood, by name if you know it.
A Winter Readiness Checklist
- Emergency number 911 for anyone in danger
- Local outreach or shelter hotline saved in your phone
- 2-1-1 for information about services
- A few small care items kept in your bag or car
- One local shelter or outreach program you support regularly
Quick check: On a frigid night you see someone lying outside who does not respond when you speak to them. What should you do?
- Leave a blanket nearby and walk on.
- Call 911 and describe the location and what you see.
- Wait until morning to call an outreach program.
Show answer
B. An unresponsive person in extreme cold may be in danger, and emergency responders should be called right away.
