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Eye On The Homeless In The Heat

Jul 7, 2017 | 6:24 AM

Social agencies in Vernon are keeping an eye on the homeless in the heat.

Kelly Fehr with the John Howard Society says outreach workers haven’t run into any problems yet.

“Heat exhaustion is a fear just the same as the cold weather in the winter time. We are reminding individuals that they are drinking lots of water and getting out of the sun. Our outreach team does go out about once a week in collaboratation with Interior health, bylaw and a variety of other organizations. We do check in on camps. People constantly do come to our outreach office also. So we do some check-ins there and just remind people to be safe in this weather.”

Fehr says anyone who needs to, can come to a shelter.

“The shelters are always open 24/7. Both the Howard House and the Gateway shelter for those that are staying at the shelter.”

BC Housing has funded ten additional mats at the Howard House shelter for use between 9 pm and 9 am.

Upper Room Mission is also open until 8 pm for people to get in out of the heat.