NewsSeven Ways You Can Help People Experiencing Homelessness During Hot Weather
Exposure to extreme heat is a serious health risk, particularly for people experiencing homelessness. Heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat rash and muscle cramps, are preventable. In Toronto, extreme heat is estimated to contribute to an average of 120 deaths each year.
Being aware of heat-related symptoms—including dizziness, nausea, fainting, headache, rapid breathing, a rapid heartbeat, and extreme thirst—can help prevent heat-related illness for yourself and others. As Toronto’s summer temperatures continue to rise, people experiencing homelessness are especially at risk.
Summers can be deadly for people experiencing homelessness. Here’s how you can help:
ONE CALL CAN SAVE A LIFE
Heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires urgent medical attention.
Call 911 if you see someone who is either unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating. While you are waiting for help, try to lower their temperature by moving them to a cool place or applying cold water to large areas of their skin or clothing.
GIVE OUT A BOTTLE OF WATER
Water is essential to prevent dehydration on very hot days. In fact, dehydration is a major threat to homeless people on the streets – and water is a lifesaver to those who can’t find any.
Have a chilled bottle of water on hand and pass it on to someone in need whom you might see on the street.
GIVE BASIC ITEMS TO SURVIVE THE HEAT
Often, people experiencing homelessness don’t have the basic items needed to cope with extreme heat. If you feel safe and comfortable doing so, you can donate directly to people on the streets or donate to a charity. The most needed items are: sunscreen, water bottles, nutrition bars, sunglasses, hats, handheld fans and sanitizing wet wipes.
TELL THEM ABOUT A COOL SPACE WHERE THEY CAN GO
The best way to deal with the heat is to stay out of it. We invite all members of the homeless community to visit any of our Drop-In Centres, shelters and Respite Centre to escape the heat. Our sites offer relief from the heat, access to water, a light snack, and trained staff on-site.
Tell the person about the closest space nearby and provide directions to get there.
CONNECT THEM DIRECTLY TO A CHARITY
If you see someone sleeping on the street during a heat alert, and you feel safe doing so, ask if they are okay and have a place to go. In Toronto, the Streets to Homes Program provides street outreach services to help people who are sleeping outdoors by addressing their immediate health and safety needs.
Fred Victor’s Keep Cool Outreach Team travels in a health services van throughout the city, reaching outdoor areas where people may be living rough, as well as to indoor locations where people with severe mental health and addiction concerns may need immediate care.
If you or someone you know needs street outreach, call 311.
DONATE MONEY TO A CHARITY
Make a financial donation to an organization that supports people experiencing homelessness. Financial donations allow charities to act fast and respond to people’s needs more efficiently.
Donations to Fred Victor ensure that we can continue to provide support to people experiencing homelessness all year round and through the most difficult weather conditions.
Every day, more than 6,000 people use our programs and services – and we are responsive to the unique needs of each and every person who comes through our doors.
Beyond helping people who require immediate assistance, Fred Victor is developing long-term solutions that move individuals and families off the streets and into stable housing.
Support our work by making a donation here.
SPREAD THE WORD
Share this article widely with your family and friends. We can all help people in need.
It is our responsibility to help our neighbours during periods of extreme heat and make sure members of the homeless community are safe.
At Fred Victor, we believe we are in this together, and that collective action is the best way to support people experiencing homelessness.
This summer, let’s try to make sure no one dies because of the heat.
