Warm-Bed Hotline Open, County Provides Shelter in Winter Months
Mineola, NY – December 16, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano has announced that Warm Bed, Nassau’s homeless program providing shelter relief to families and individuals during cold winter months, has been activated. A one-stop Nassau County Winter Homeless Hotline, 1-866-WARM-BED, will operate 7 days a week and run through March 31. County Executive Mangano activated the program and hotline five days early, on December 10, in anticipation of the cold weather. 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.
“No one should have to spend nights in the freezing cold, when they can call the county hotline and find a warm place to stay right away,” said County Executive Mangano. “People will be connected immediately to a person who can help them get out of the cold and get the services they need. Help really is just a phone call away.”
During business hours calls will be referred to the Department of Social Services for appropriate services. However, between the hours of 5PM and 9AM, employees from the Office of Housing and Homeless Services will make appropriate referrals and provide shelter placement. Once a call is made, a taxi cab is dispatched to the location of the caller to take them to a shelter. The Office of Housing & Homeless Services will reach out to those who are homeless in order to access resources for permanent housing.
County Executive Mangano also urges Nassau’s homeless Veterans to take advantage of the Warm Bed program, where they will be assisted by the Nassau County Veterans Services Agency. “If you are a Veteran, and you need help, please do not hesitate to come forward. The residents of Nassau County are forever grateful for your service, and we are here to help you every step of the way.”
NASSAU COUNTY HOMELESS HOTLINE (WARMBED)
1-866-927-6233
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Department of Social Services 227-8395: After office hrs 572-3143
Long Island Crisis Counseling & Referral Center 679-1111
Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence 542-0404
Nassau University Medical Center 572-0123
Nassau County Homeless Help Line 572-2711
