Emergency Blanket in a Plastic Bag

Emergency Blanket. Multi-color. Enclosed in thin weight plastic bag. Collected 2009, c.e.

Inexpensive emergency blankets like this are distributed to homeless people in cold weather, from social service agencies and from roving vans. The winter hypothermia season is the focal point for discussions of homeless policy and funding in many communities. Demand for shelter beds is at its high point, and death by freezing is an urgent concern, especially in wet, cold weather.

Hypothermia season also sharpens the question of when society is justified in forcing someone to accept help. Everyone on the street gets more attention, and pressure, from police and social workers in winter, especially those who appear unable to bundle up for the cold.

The balance between liberty, budget constraints, and caring for the most needy and vulnerable is still being adjusted.

– David Hammond

Gift of the Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place, Washington, D.C.