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Washington, DC—June 23, 2025—With record-smashing temperatures forecast to soar above 100°F, Central Union Mission is urging anyone without shelter to seek immediate relief at its Emergency Shelter (65 Massachusetts Ave, NW). The Mission stands ready to provide safe refuge, fresh meals, cold water, and essential support during this life-threatening heatwave.
“Extreme heat is not just uncomfortable—it’s deadly,” said Joe Mettimano, President & CEO of Central Union Mission. “No one should have to suffer alone in these dangerous conditions.”
The National Weather Service and AccuWeather warn that this level of heat and humidity has not been seen in years, and its cumulative effect can be fatal—especially for people experiencing homelessness. According to Scientific American, extreme heat is the number-one weather-related cause of death in the U.S., claiming more lives most years than hurricanes, floods, or tornadoes combined.
In response to the escalating heat emergency, Central Union Mission is offering:
- 24/7 access to the Men’s Shelter (Downtown DC), including air-conditioned day rooms, cold water, and nutritious meals.
- Mission: NOVA (Arlington, VA): support for vulnerable individuals and families with food, clothing, and practical aid.
- Comprehensive Family Resource Center (Northeast DC): groceries, clothing, hygiene items, and family services.
“Many of our neighbors living on the streets or in unstable housing situations don’t have the luxury of air conditioning or a cold glass of water,” Mettimano added. “That’s why we’re here—offering relief, dignity, and hope.”
If you or someone you know is at risk in this heat, please come in. Our doors are open.
For assistance or to support the Mission’s efforts, visit www.missiondc.org
Media Inquires
For more information, questions, or to learn more, please contact Joshua Kinney, Director of Marketing & Communications at jkinney@missiondc.org or call 484-557-1601.
About Central Union Mission:
Central Union Mission, Washington, DC’s oldest private social service agency and a faith-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit, offers a comprehensive array of services to men, women and children in need from DC, Virginia and Maryland. Beyond offering over 60,000 bed-nights annually at its emergency shelter, the Mission’s shelter provides a full suite of transformational programs. Our Comprehensive Family Resource Center provides food and clothing to approximately 5,000 individuals monthly, as well as transformative wrap-around services. Our Mission: NOVA center in south Arlington provides critically needed social services, as well as food and clothing. All three facilities use a co-located service model providing onsite job training/placement, education, help with addictions, ESL classes, parenting classes, healthcare, assistance to veterans and senior citizens, legal aid, assistance with housing, spiritual discipleship and more. Additionally, the Mission operates a camp for underprivileged children and a 24-bed transition home. Our reputation is reflected in our four-star rating from Charity Navigator, Platinum Seal for financial transparency from Candid, and Top-Rated award from Great Non-Profits.
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