Homeless, seniors at risk with heat wave
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Updated: July 30, 2009 2:31 PM
Outreach workers are handing out cold, bottled water to homeless people living in the bush in the Tri-Cities to keep them hydrated and healthy during the hot weather.
So far, there haven't been any problems as a result of the heat, according to Rob Thiessen, managing director of the Hope for Freedom Society, which runs the outreach program. In fact, homeless people can take advantage of free showers at the outreach centre, which operates out of Grace campus of Northside Church at 2606 Kingsway Ave. in Port Coquitlam.
Two part-time nurses are also working out of the outreach centre to help homeless people with health issues.
Approximately 167 homeless people are living rough in the region — down from 215 last year — and Thiessen said he expects to have more information on the changing homeless demographics in the coming weeks.
Other heat-related news:
HELPING SENIORS
Meanwhile, Tri-City seniors continue to flock to programs in air-conditioned rec centres.
A spokesperson for the Community Volunteer Services for Seniors (CVSS), which operates out of PoCo's Wilson Centre, said programs are running at full tilt and there haven't been any concerns about the heat so far from seniors who are stuck indoors.
CVSS matches volunteers with homebound seniors and offers a telephone reassurance program and a shop-by-phone grocery program.
Meanwhile, the Red Cross offers the following tips to help people stay safe during the hot weather, which is expected to continue through the weekend.
• Avoid being outdoors during the hottest part of the day. If you must go out, try to do so in the early morning or evening hours, when the sun is not as strong.
• Work and exercise in brief periods and take frequent breaks.
• Dress in light, loose clothing and wear a hat.
• Drink plenty of cool fluids but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
dstrandberg@tricitynews.com
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