Summertime in the City: Tips to Help Our Neighbors Experiencing Homelessness

Boston Hasn't had a June Heat Wave Like This in Nearly a Century
Extreme Heat Wave in Western U.S. to Shatter Records and Affect More Than 40 Million People
Dangerous Heatwave Grips U.S. South-west as Temperatures Hit 120F in Some Areas
Sioux Falls is Seeing its Hottest Start to June in Recorded History

The headlines are telling it like it is. Extreme heat kills more Americans than any other weather event, but not everyone’s risk is the same. Aside from feeling miserable, homeless folks are vulnerable to dangerous health concerns when temperatures outside rise. The U.S. and Canada have been dealing with extreme heat warnings in recent days and it doesn't seem to be letting up soon. The heatwave currently affecting much of the United States and Canada has broken many records, including some that date back more than 100 years.

To gain a greater perspective on what our homeless neighbors may experience while exposed to the elements in your area, check out this interactive weather map.

What You Can Do

Citygate Network suggests the following ways you can offer practical help to people trying to survive without shelter during the harsh summer months.

• Put together “heat kits” with lip balm, sunscreen, a few pairs of socks, a handkerchief, and a gift certificate to McDonald’s or other local fast food restaurant that serves cold drinks. Put it all inside a reusable bag.
• Keep information and directions to your local mission, along with some bus passes, in your car or wallet to hand out when you see someone in need of shelter.
• Hand out bottled water to people holding signs on street corners.
• Offer your unneeded umbrellas to folks staying on the street. Or purchase some secondhand umbrellas from local thrift stores for them.
• If you see someone staying outside in the scorching heat, use Citygate Network’s Locate a Mission feature, call a local crisis hotline, or the United Way 2-1-1 hotline.