Homeless population trying to beat the heat in Kamloops

Dogg collects cans to make money and provide for his homeless camp. It’s exhausting work when temperatures soar above 30 C.

“I slept for two days,” he said, “I slept in the day and then I slept the night. It just knocked me right out, eh? Like, I kind of was used to it before, but not anymore.”

For the homeless population of Kamloops, places like the Mustard Seed New Life Community can provide temporary relief from the heat.

“I wouldn’t say that our numbers have gone up very much, but definitely the people that do come in here have been complaining about the heat,” said Outreach Supervisor Jeff Arlitt. “So, there are some needs that they’re looking for. We could definitely use a lot more water bottles, socks is another thing because they’re walking outside in their sock all day, so definitely socks and water bottles is a need.”

ASK Wellness is also opening its doors to those who need to get out of the sun.

“We just leave the doors open and people, whether they want to get services or not, they’ve got a cool place to come to,” said Executive Director Bob Hughes. “We have a shower, we have laundry services available for people who identify as homeless or don’t have those resources where they’re staying.”

Hughes says the heat is especially dangerous when mixed with substance use.

“When we get really hot weather like this and you combine that with alcohol consumption in particular and people falling asleep out in the sun, these are the things that our team is really aware of.”

Even without alcohol, lengthy exposure to the sun brings with it the risk of heat stroke.

“It’s just like having a heart attack, but totally different,” Dogg said. “Your limbs go, my hand went, but it’s getting better, you know.”

Environment Canada is calling for cooler temperatures this weekend.

by Jill Sperling

Homeless population trying to beat the heat in Kamloops

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