SEATTLE — A Seattle nonprofit is hitting the streets, making sure people experiencing homelessness are safe during the heatwave.
"This is the most rewarding, most fulfilling job I've ever had in my life,” said Patrick Burnite. “Helping people helps me."
He knows how hard it is to live out on the streets, especially during a scorching heatwave.
"A tent becomes a sauna,” said Burnite. “You don't want to move. Unless somebody like our organization comes out and brings water … you're just trapped."
Burnite was homeless just three years ago. He's now a case manager for "We Heart Seattle." The same nonprofit that offered him the help he needed during one of its street outreaches.
"It got me off the streets,” Burnite. “That interaction with Andrea is literally the impetus that started the ball rolling. Just her talking to me, making me feel like a person."
Andrea Suarez is the founder of We Heart Seattle which launched in September 2020. She said it has cleared more than 1 million pounds of trash from Seattle parks and open spaces. It has helped more than 215 people get off the streets.
This past week, Suarez and her team have been busy visiting homeless encampments. They provided water and other beverages to help people stay hydrated, including setting up Gatorade stations.
Suarez said it's not only important to help our unhoused neighbors on hot days like this. But encourages people to help every day.
"We come out here every single day because we need to,” said Suarez. “We believe we are saving a life everyday by being out here."
According to King County Public Health, there have been no heat-related deaths in the county as of Tuesday, July 9. However, there have been 36 heat-related illnesses reported since July 4.
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