Housing and Homeless Services

Inclement Weather Overflow

Providing Safety and Shelter During Extreme Weather Conditions

Inclement Weather Overflow, part of the HSA homeless service response system, provides temporary shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness during periods of extreme or hazardous weather. The service ensures that residents have a safe, stable place to stay when outdoor conditions become unsafe due to severe cold, heat, storms, or other environmental risks.

This response focuses on protecting individuals from immediate weather-related dangers while providing basic necessities and a secure environment. Staff and partners work together to ensure participants remain safe and supported until they can access regular campus services or longer-term shelter options.

How We Support Individuals During Inclement Conditions

Extreme Winter Weather Response (Cold, Snow, Freezing Conditions): During severe winter weather such as freezing temperatures, snowstorms, or dangerous wind chills, emergency overflow shelter is activated to ensure individuals have a safe place to stay. During winter activation, the service provides safe indoor sleeping spaces, staff supervision, hot meals, water, and basic necessities. These supports help protect individuals from exposure-related health risks such as hypothermia and other cold-weather illnesses. Staff also support participants in connecting to ongoing Nevada Cares Campus and Our Place services, including emergency shelter and day use services, once conditions stabilize.

Extreme Summer Weather Response (Heat, Unsafe Outdoor Conditions and Poor Air Quality): Periods of extreme high temperatures, and poor air quality due to wildfire smoke or similar environmental conditions trigger emergency overflow activation to ensure individuals are not left exposed to dangerous conditions. During these activations, participants are provided access to safe indoor resting spaces, staff supervision, hydration support, and basic necessities. These supports are intended to reduce the risk of heat-related illness, including dehydration and heat exhaustion, while offering a cool and stable environment during hazardous weather. Staff continue to support connections to ongoing Nevada Cares Campus and Our Place services, including emergency shelter and day use services, as conditions stabilize.

Keeping Residents Safe Year-Round

Contact Us