WASHINGTON — Even with near-blizzard conditions, some members of the homeless community are remaining outdoors, despite the opening of shelters and warming centers in D.C.

Jesse Rabinowitz with Miriam’s Kitchen says if you encounter a homeless person outside during the storm, urge them to go to a shelter or a warming center. D.C.’s 311 hypothermia hotline can also be a resource for homeless outside during the storm.

“They are able to send out vans and blanket, take people to a warming center, to take them somewhere inside,” Rabinowitz says.

Rabinowitz said you can also bring those in need items such as hats, gloves, blankets, hot drinks, food and even gift cards for food, to can help them get through the storm.

“A gift card to a place where they can go inside and sit, and just warm up a bit,” Rabinowitz says.