As summer temperatures have risen in the Atlanta area over the last decade, we’ve become accustomed to heat advisories. Record high temperatures in June have already foretold what’s ahead. It’s going to be a long, hot summer.

Atlanta “[averages] 47 days at or above 90° each year,” 11Alive reports. Since the season’s first heat wave last month, meteorologists have told the metro area to brace itself. With rising global temperatures, extreme summer heat is most likely here for the foreseeable future.

In a recent joint study with Fulton County Emergency Management Agency, Georgia Tech, and Emory, Dr. Guanyu Huang of Spelman College said that data about Atlanta’s summer heat “pointed to minority populations and impoverished communities near downtown and midtown Atlanta [as] having a greater risk of heat-related illness and death.” 

For those experiencing homelessness, summer heat is an everyday threat. While many of us beat the heat with cool drinks and backyard pool days, our most at-risk neighbors often struggle to find adequate hydration, shade, or indoor spaces to cool down. Add medical conditions to these material deficits, and heat can quickly turn deadly.

The National Health Care for the Homeless Council notes that inadequate shelter can lead to sunburn, heat stroke, and exhaustion, exacerbating pre-existing medical conditions like heart issues and asthma. If you’re living on the streets and not eating enough, summer heat can wear you down and leave you susceptible to dehydration.

Atlanta Mission’s first line of defense against summer heat comes in the form of our emergency services available to those experiencing homelessness. After meeting with an Atlanta Mission Ambassador, clients can receive resource referrals, medical care, shelter and meals. This wraparound care seeks to address the many facets of living on the streets during the summer — from the need for a cool, safe place to sleep to medical attention for health conditions that worsen when temperatures rise.
Summer heat may be here to stay, but so are we. Atlanta Mission takes every opportunity to serve our clients with love and expert care as they transition out of homelessness into healthy, independent living. As your schedule flexes with summer commitments, consider joining us as a volunteer. A cup of cold water given in Jesus’ name tastes especially refreshing on these hot summer days. Come see what a difference that refreshment can make!