Heat’s on to cool off homeless

Winnipeg’s Siloam Mission is looking for high-priority items that will help the city’s homeless community beat the heat.

Reusable water bottles, sunscreen and backpacks are at the top of that list as dehydration and heatstroke pose a threat to those living outside.

“We’ve been handing out hats, water bottles, lip-balm, foot cream, bug spray and sunscreen,” said Mike Duerksen, spokesperson for Siloam Mission. “We’re encouraging people to drink lots of water and to stay inside.”

Duerksen said Siloam Mission has seen an increase in the number of guests at its drop-in centre. As the mercury continues to climb, the centre is encouraging its guests to get out of the sun.

“It’s hard enough for us who have places to stay to stay cool. It’s even harder for someone who is living on the streets,” Duerksen said. “The challenges of homelessness are just as great in the summer as they are in the winter.”

 

http://www.metronews.ca/winnipeg/local/article/921541--heat-s-on-to-cool-off-homeless