It’s the time of year when the AC is on full blast and water bottles are a necessity. For most, the flip of a switch in your house or car or a drink from a cold bottle of water will quickly ease your discomfort. Yet, when the temperatures soar, many homeless living on the streets don’t even have their basic needs met.

Harsh weather conditions can be devastating to people who are unable to avoid them for long periods of time. Older people, children and people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable. It is hard to imagine a hot summer becoming deadly. But for the homeless, death by heat is a reality.

Long-term exposure to the sun can cause heat exhaustion. In a homeless person, this could easily be mistaken as them being inebriated or high. If heat stroke occurs, confusion sets in, followed by unconsciousness. For some, a homeless man lying on the sidewalk is not a strange sight. Yet potentially, this person could easily become a fatality.

“When temperatures hit 90 degrees, the Mission opens up the dayroom to provide guests with a cool, safe place to rest and rolls out the ‘Hot Patrol’ team—offering water to our city’s homeless,” says Ed Grimes, Director of Guest Ministries. “A cold bottle of water to someone who is dehydrated can be the difference between life and death.”

“I am so grateful to the Mission,” says Doug, who has been homeless for seven months. “I’m from up north and not used to this hot, humid weather. Having a cool place to go and cold water is a life-saver.”

Your support makes it possible for the Mission to provide these vulnerable guests an escape from the heat. The community can assist by donating items that will keep the homeless cool and protected during the hot summer. Download a list of these items. Thank you, your compassionate acts save lives.