Washington, DC is one of only three places in the country with a legal right to shelter in hypothermic weather. From November 1 through March 31, one phone number gets you a bed, a free ride and a welfare check for someone outside. Here's how the season works and what changes on the coldest nights. AT A GLANCE Season: November 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027. Services can start earlier or run later if the weather calls for it. One number: The Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093,