08/15/2026
If you are homeless, the following are suggestions in surviving the summer heat:
*Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty, to prevent dehydration.
*Seek Shade: Find shaded areas like under trees, awnings, or in public buildings to avoid direct sunlight, which can cause overheating.
*Utilize Cooling Resources: Public pools, splash pads, libraries, and community centers often offer respite from the heat.
*Wear Appropriate Clothing: Light-colored, lightweight clothing reflects heat and allows for better ventilation, keeping you cooler.
*Avoid Peak Heat Hours: Limit strenuous activities like walking long distances, during the hottest part of the day and seek indoor spaces.
*Cooling Towels: Wet towels can be used to simulate sweating.
*Create Cooling Spaces: If possible, create a shaded or ventilated area for yourself or others, especially during extreme heat.
*Access Community Resources: Reach out to local charities, homeless shelters, or organizations that provide support during heat waves.
*Inform Yourself: Learn about cooling centers, water refill points, and other resources available in your area.
How can you, as an individual, help our community unhoused or those in poor living conditions?
Below are some suggestions:
*Frozen Bottle Warer: Freeze bottled water before handing it out. The ice will melt slowly for drinking, but can also be used for general cooling.
*Reusable Water Bottles: Hand out reusable, durable water bottles that can be refilled from public water sources.
*Hats: Baseball hats, straw hats, anything-with-a-brim hats. This keeps the sun off the face and out of the eyes.
*Bandanas: Dipped in water and draped around the neck or head, these can bring down temperatures significantly.
*Sunscreen: Sunscreen’s protective ingredients can expire. Give out new bottles to help prevent the pain of sunburn.
*Chapstick: Can help prevent lip burn and chapping.
*Clean Undergarments: As we all know, heat can cause excess perspiration, which can wear down undergarments pretty quickly and cause them to need to be replaced more often, especially for people who might lack regular access to a washer and dryer.
*Tents, Tarps, Rain Ponchos: A tent or tarp provides protection from water damage and the sun, which is imperative during heatwaves and heavy rains. Similarly, rain ponchos can be lifesaving for unsheltered homeless people trying to weather the storm.
*Umbrellas: Provides shade
Baskets containing toiletries are a perfect way to donate to your unhoused neighbors during summer. Providing just a few items on the following list can go a long way.
These items are also perfect to put in the three Project Blessing Box - Pryor:
Deodorant
Dry shampoo
Toothbrushes/Wisps
Toothpaste
Tampons
Combs
Brushes
Hand Sanitizers
Sanitary wipes
Lotions
And other hygiene products
