The Effect of the Summer Heat on the UnHoused

As the heat index rises in South Florida, so does the danger of heat-related illness, especially to individuals experiencing homelessness.

Heat is an insidious and often overlooked natural hazard that poses unique dangers to the homeless, who are vulnerable to the elements.  Lacking necessities such as adequate shelter, air conditioning, and consistent access to water, the homeless of Broward County are at high risk of heat-related illness, including dehydration, severe sunburn, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heart attack.

Heat-related illness occurs when the body is overwhelmed by heat and can no longer cool itself effectively.  Homeless individuals, lacking access to cool environments, are vulnerable to heat exhaustion, characterized by heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headaches.  Left unaddressed, this could lead to heat stroke, a medical emergency that occurs when the body temperature rises above 104°F, leading to potential brain, heart, and kidney damage.  Symptoms of heat stroke include confusion, altered mental state, fainting, and seizures.

Individuals experiencing homelessness have limited access to resources.  Indoor, public places such as malls or libraries are not always accessible to find refuge from the heat.  Getting proper medical care can be challenging, and lacking access to information and alerts about heat waves can leave them unprepared and at greater risk.  Furthermore, many homeless individuals suffer from chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and mental illness, all of which are exacerbated by extreme heat.  Medications used to manage these conditions, if able to be accessed, can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature, which can further increase the risk of heat-related complications.

With ongoing love and support from us and our community, the people we serve can safely withstand the summer months.

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