Helping the Homeless Beat the Heat

Extreme weather is one of many obstacles those experiencing homelessness face. With outreach services that connect to the community 365 days a year, The Salvation Army’s Booth Centre in Ottawa is well-positioned to offer immediate and critical assistance when soaring temperatures become a danger for those who call the streets home.

“Our vans transport homeless and at-risk people to safe, appropriate shelter,” says Kristen MacDonald, manager of street outreach and housing services. “If people are free from harm, able and want to stay outdoors, we give them supplies to reduce the impact of exposure to the heat such as water, sunscreen, hats and lighter clothing.”

“Our vans transport homeless and at-risk people to safe, appropriate shelter”

During hot weather, the van is out earlier than usual to reach everybody who is vulnerable before the higher-risk heat sets in. The support gives vulnerable people one less thing to worry about.

“There has been an influx of street living individuals due to COVID-19,” explains MacDonald. “The fear  associated with staying indoors in a congregate setting such as a shelter has caused people to return to life on the streets.”

In addition to extreme weather supports, the outreach teams work 16+-hour days balancing two main areas of focus: emergency transportation and working with individuals to find them housing.

“We generate referrals to resources such as food banks, community meals and mental health services”

“When appropriate, we may transport someone to a recognized drop-In centre or shelter,” says MacDonald. “We also take people to a hospital if they need medical attention.”

The street outreach program has also been critical in linking people experiencing homelessness to the resources and services they need and want.

“We generate referrals to resources such as food banks, community meals and mental health services,” MacDonald explains. “Furthermore, our four housing-based case managers work one-on-one with people to prepare goals that include housing and other areas of concern. Whether it’s short-term immediate assistance or long-term help, we are here to create change.”

MacDonald says that countless numbers of dangerous and unsafe situations—under bridges, in vestibules and abandoned buildings—have proved the need for the service and that the team has often commented “I’m glad we got there when we did.”

By Linda Leigh