Heat saps the homeless, pleas go out for bottled water

Cold winters can be hard on the homeless, but record heat is life-threatening.

In the winter, even those without shelter can use blankets to keep warm. In the summer, especially when predicted moderating temperatures spike to record heat, the homeless can't always cool off. Worse, they can't find enough clean drinking water.

Because dehydration can set in over a matter of hours during triple-digit temperature days and can quickly become life-threatening, area homeless advocates are putting out a call for something neither a desert nor anyone who lives in one can get enough of: water.

Despite planning ahead, the sweltering dog days of summer combined with a wilting economy and the seasonal increase in the number of homeless, have area shelters renewing a call for bottled water.

The local Volunteers of America is spearheading an effort to hydrate the homeless. They can distribute the water but are putting out a mid-summer call for donations.

The VOA and other homeless advocacy groups say both daytime high temperatures and nighttime low temperatures are high — a common condition of mid- to late-July in Utah — relief is difficult and dehydration and sunstroke are common among those who don't have a place to cool off or rest adequately.

Other hazards of the season — mosquito bites and sunburn — present continuing problems as well, said VOA spokeswoman Michelle Templin.

Daily necessities such as insect repellent and sunscreen are actually luxuries and in short supply for the homeless, Templin said, adding that the need has turned urgent this week.

"Heat and bugs and too much sun can be uncomfortable for most of us, the combination can be dangerous for the homeless," Templin said. "Having access to water and protection that we might take for granted is the key to survival for many of the homeless in our community."

The rule of thumb if people are wondering if water donations are needed is to check the temperature, she said: If it's above 90, the need is above normal and increasing with every degree.

VOA's Homeless Outreach team and the Street Outreach team for homeless teens, encounter people on a daily basis who are in need of basic survival items, she said.

Supplies of water, sunscreen and repellent are being handed out through the two outreach programs every day, and supplies are already at late-summer levels, she said.

"Every day we are meeting people on the streets who need water and other basics, and almost everyone asks for bug spray," said Jessica Fleming, outreach program manager, noting that insect repellent is the greatest need at the moment.