19 November 2008

Suozzi Announces “WARM BED” Hotline Opening Early This Year

Homeless Hotline Opens TODAY in Response to Temperature Drop

Mineola, NY – Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi announced today that Warm Bed, Nassau’s homeless hotline providing shelter relief to families and individuals during cold winter months, is opening early this year. Warm Bed will be open beginning TODAY, November 19. The one-stop "Warm Line", 1-866-WARM-BED, operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and runs through the 31st of March.

“With the temperatures falling below freezing, we didn’t have to think twice about opening our “Warm Line” a few weeks early. There is no reason for anyone to spend nights stuck outside in the freezing cold, when they can call the county hotline and find a warm place to stay,” said County Executive Suozzi. “We have a system where there is no wrong door and where people will be connected immediately to a person who can help them get exactly what they need.”

Operators for the hotline will direct callers to the appropriate departments and services for their individual situations, eliminating confusion and duplication. The hotline is staffed by the Office of Housing and Homeless Services (OHHS) employees. During normal business hours, calls will be referred to the Department of Social Services for appropriate services. However, between the hours of 5PM and 9AM, OHHS employees will make appropriate referrals and provide shelter placement.

Warm Bed was originally scheduled to open on December 15 this year. If winter conditions persist beyond March 31, the program will continue until warmer weather arrives