WASHINGTON, USA — Several agencies activated emergency response plans this week to ensure those who are unhoused are safe from the unseasonably hot temperatures.
"This is literally deadly, the type of heat that we're experiencing," said Lisa Edge with King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA).
Homelessness agencies throughout King County are hoping to provide relief.
"A cool, safe space for people to feel safe and to come out of the heat and just relax and avoid potential health issues," said Felicia Grant.
Grant works with the Salvation Army. It’s been serving about 40 to 50 people daily at its Jefferson Day Center in downtown Seattle for the past four days. It's one of the contract providers KCRHA called upon to open up countywide as temperatures soar.
"Even if people are living outside, they're still our neighbors,” said Edge. “They're still like you and I. Housing is a basic human need, and they might not have it at this moment, but we should provide a place for them to stay cool and not overheat.”
Officials with KCRHA said last Thursday until Monday marks the first "heat activation" of the year. According to the agency, as of February, there are more than 16,000 homeless people in the county, with 60% of them unsheltered.
"That's not a number we like to see. We want all of our unhoused neighbors to come inside,” said Edge. “Not just shelters, everyone to be in a permanent place to live. When you don't have housing, it affects everything."
So, what can community members do to help their homeless neighbors? KCRHA said:
- Carry bottled water to give to those who request help
- Donate supplies to cooling sites
- Volunteer with organizations that provide resources for unhoused individuals
"People aren't choosing to be homeless,” said Edge. “Things have happened to their life and that's why they're outside. And let's just have some compassion and not judge them for their circumstance."
For more information on cooling centers in your area, you can call 211 to find a nearby shelter.