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Polar Vortex 2025:  Urgent Resources to Help Those Experiencing Homelessness

Bookmark this page for updated resources as we get them

LAST UPDATED: 12/31/25 [12:43 PM EST]

While we strive to keep this list updated with the most relevant and accurate information, we kindly remind you to exercise your own judgment in verifying all resources. Additionally, feel free to conduct an online search for any resources we might have overlooked. Please note that these resources are not intended for emergency situations. In case of an emergency, please contact 9-1-1 immediately.

Find Warmth: Polar Vortex Shelters and Support Services

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  • The National Alliance to End Homelessness:

    This organization works to prevent and end homelessness in the United States. They provide resources and information on how to help those experiencing homelessness during extreme weather.

  • The Salvation Army:

    The Salvation Army offers emergency shelter, food, and other assistance to those in need, including during extreme weather events like a polar vortex.

  • The American Red Cross:

    The Red Cross provides disaster relief services, including shelter and support during extreme weather events. They often open warming centers and provide blankets and other necessities.

  • National Weather Service:

    Stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and warnings from the National Weather Service, especially during a polar vortex. This information is crucial for personal safety and for helping those experiencing homelessness find shelter.

  • 2-1-1:

    This is a national helpline that connects people with local resources, including shelters, food banks, and other services that can be vital during a polar vortex.

Deep Freeze Insights

Essential Articles to Thrive During Polar Vortex 2025
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Track the Storm: Real-Time Polar Vortex 2025 Updates

  • Ryan Hall, Y'all

    • Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RyanHallYall
    • Ryan provides detailed forecasts, often focusing on severe weather events. He's known for his clear explanations and engaging presentation style. He also does live streams during major weather events.  
       

     

  • Frankie MacDonald

    • Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dogsandwolves
    •  Frankie is known for his enthusiastic and unique delivery style. While not a meteorologist, he's gained a large following for his passionate weather warnings, particularly for his native Canada.

  • Direct Weather

    • Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DirectWeather
    •  Channel offers in-depth analysis, often focusing on longer-range forecasts and potential severe weather outbreaks. The channel is known for detailed explanations and use of weather models.

  • Weatherman Plus

    • Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@weathermanplus

    • A group of weather experts guided by Christian principles, offering nearly real-time weather updates and forecasts, along with clarifications of terms and models.

BE PREPARED

Beat the Freeze: Survival Tips During Polar Vortex 2025

The polar vortex brings dangerously cold temperatures. Here's how to stay safe and warm, with some clever tricks you might not have thought of:

Staying Warm Indoors:

  • Layer Up Like an Onion: Wear multiple loose-fitting layers of warm clothing. Think thermal underwear, fleece, wool, and down. Don't forget a hat – you lose a lot of heat through your head!
  • DIY Draft Dodgers: Use rolled-up towels, blankets, or even pool noodles to block drafts under doors and windows.
  • Embrace the Bubble: If you have a small space heater, create a "warmth bubble" by hanging a blanket over chairs to enclose the area where you are sitting.
  • Cook Up Some Warmth: Baking or cooking generates heat in your kitchen. Enjoy the warmth and a tasty meal!
  • Hot Water Bottle Buddy: Fill a hot water bottle and tuck it under your blankets or clothes for extra warmth.

Venturing Outdoors:

  • Extend Your Hand Warmers: Put hand warmers in ziplock bags when not in use to make them last longer. Reactivate them by exposing them to air again.
  • DIY Foot Warmers: Cut up an old fleece blanket or sweater and use it to line your boots for extra insulation.
  • Layer Socks Strategically: Wear thin liner socks made of moisture-wicking material under thicker wool socks. This helps keep your feet dry and warm.
  • Protect Your Face: Apply petroleum jelly to exposed skin to create a barrier against the cold and wind.
  • Buddy Up: If you must go out, go with a friend. It's safer and you can look out for each other.

Warming Up Quickly:

  • Jump Around: A few minutes of jumping jacks or running in place can get your blood flowing and warm you up quickly.
  • Warm Compress: Apply a warm compress (not hot!) to your neck, wrists, or groin to help raise your core body temperature.
  • Ginger Power: Drink ginger tea. Ginger has thermogenic properties that can help warm you from the inside out.

Helping Those Experiencing Homelessness:

  • Carry Emergency Blankets: Keep a few emergency blankets (the thin, silver kind) in your car to give to people in need.
  • Offer Warm Drinks: If you see someone outside, offer to buy them a hot beverage.
  • Know Your Resources: Familiarize yourself with the locations of warming shelters and services in your community.

Stay Informed:

  • Monitor the Forecast: Stay updated on weather conditions from reliable sources like the National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/
  • Heed Warnings: Pay attention to weather alerts and advisories.
BE PREPARED (1)

Polar Vortex 2025 in the News (and on Social Media): Videos & Reports

Those who live in their vehicles, whether by choice or circumstance, often develop incredibly resourceful ways to cope with extreme weather. Here are some TikTok creators known for their cold-weather car camping, van life, or homeless survival tips:

1. @thevanabondtales

  • Focus: Van life and off-grid living, with a focus on winter camping and staying warm in a van during extreme cold.
  • Why they're helpful: Shares practical tips on insulation, heating solutions, cooking in a van during winter, and finding safe overnight parking spots.

2. @cheaprvliving

  • Focus: Budget-friendly RV and van life, including tips for staying warm and comfortable in cold weather.
  • Why they're helpful: Offers DIY solutions for insulation, heating, and maximizing space in small living areas. Also provides advice on finding affordable resources and campsites.

3. @where.is.drew

  • Focus: Chronicles his experiences living in his car and traveling the US, including coping with extreme weather conditions.
  • Why they're helpful: Shares honest insights into the challenges and realities of car living, including strategies for staying warm, finding safe parking, and accessing resources.

4. @vanlife.family

  • Focus: A family living full-time in a van, documenting their adventures and challenges, including winter travel and cold-weather camping.
  • Why they're helpful: Provides tips on staying warm and comfortable as a family in a van, managing limited resources, and finding family-friendly activities in winter.

5. @thenomadicmillennial

  • Focus: Shares her experiences living in her car while working a full-time job, including tips for stealth camping and surviving cold weather.
  • Why they're helpful: Offers practical advice on staying warm, maintaining hygiene, and managing daily life while living in a vehicle.

Important Note:

  • Content can vary: Always preview the content to ensure it aligns with your needs and values.
  • Safety first: Use caution when implementing tips from TikTok. Prioritize safety and be aware of the risks associated with cold weather and alternative living situations.

I encourage you to explore these creators and others on TikTok. You'll likely find a wealth of valuable information and creative solutions for staying warm and safe during the polar vortex!

BE PREPARED (2)

Take Action: Help the Homeless Survive the Polar Vortex

Donate: Give Warmth

Donate Now to Polar Vortex Relief Efforts


Your donation will directly support our emergency response to the Polar Vortex 2025. We're providing critical aid to those experiencing homelessness, including:

❄️ Life-saving care packages: Packed with warm blankets, hand warmers, hats, gloves, socks, and essential toiletries.
❄️ Nourishing food: Hot meals, snacks, and water to combat hunger and dehydration.
❄️ Warming supplies: Distributing space heaters, battery-operated radios to stay informed, and hurricane/safety lamps for light and warmth where possible.


Every dollar makes a difference in helping vulnerable individuals survive this dangerous deep freeze. Donate today and be a lifeline for someone in need.

Volunteer: Lend a Hand

Volunteer Opportunities During the Deep Freeze

Join us in making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable people during this dangerous polar vortex. We urgently need compassionate volunteers to help with the following:

❄️ Social Media & Outreach:  Spread the word about our relief efforts!  Share our resources online, help manage our social media channels, and engage the community to increase awareness and support.

❄️ Donation Distribution:  Help us get essential supplies directly into the hands of those who need them most.  Volunteer at our distribution centers, assist with organizing donations, and help with delivery to shelters and those living on the streets.

❄️ Street Teams:  Join our outreach teams to connect with people experiencing homelessness.

❄️ Help distribute care packages, provide information about warming centers and available resources, and offer a warm, friendly presence during this challenging time.

Even a few hours of your time can make a significant impact.  Join our team of dedicated volunteers and help us bring warmth and hope to those in need during this critical time.

Please provide your contact information to get started.

Share: Spread the Word

Share These Resources & Help Save Lives

The polar vortex is a life-threatening danger for those experiencing homelessness. You can help by sharing these vital resources:

❄️ Amplify Our Message:  Share our website and social media posts with your networks. Every share increases our reach and can connect someone in need with critical assistance.

❄️ Inform Your Community: Spread awareness about the dangers of the polar vortex and the resources available to those experiencing homelessness. Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors.

❄️ Empower Others to Help:  Encourage people to donate, volunteer, or get involved in any way they can.  Even small actions can make a big difference.

By spreading the word, you become a vital part of our life-saving efforts. Help us ensure that everyone has a safe and warm place during this dangerous deep freeze.

 

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