Community Corner

Concern Mounts For Bethesda's Homeless As Temperatures Plummet

Extreme cold this week poses dangerous conditions for those living on the street.

When Bethesda Cares closed for the evening Tuesday, executive director Sue Kirk said some of the group's clients were headed out to spend the night on the street despite frigid temperatures.

The group provides services for the area's homeless, some of whom have lived on the street for years.

During the day, the group is providing hot lunches, coffee and hot water to their clients as the Washington region experiences extreme cold this week. Though shelter beds were available in Montgomery County, Kirk said many Bethesda Cares clients didn't plan on using them Tuesday night.

Find out what's happening in Bethesda-Chevy Chasewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

With overnight temperatures expected to drop 10-15 degrees with wind chills of -5 to 5 degrees, Kirk expressed concern for those who would brave the elements.

"It’s scary and I hold my breath to make sure everyone is safe in the morning," Kirk wrote in an e-mail to Patch.

Find out what's happening in Bethesda-Chevy Chasewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Kirk and others handed out extra hats, gloves, army blankets and long johns in an effort to keep their clients safe.

Click over to NBC Washington for more details on who to call if you see someone in danger of developing hypothermia.


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