With the start of July, summer becomes more apparent. While many people look forward to these months to enjoy the heat and go to the beach, not everyone has the luxury of being able to cool off in the ocean or stay in air-conditioned areas while it’s hot outside. For the homeless population, summer presents a set of challenges that many may not consider.
As global temperature rises, excessive heat is becoming a more frequent problem. People who are homeless face a high risk of serious health problems, such as severe sunburn, dehydration, and heat strokes, that can even result in being fatal. Furthermore, the heat can worsen pre-existing health issues, which are frequently left untreated because of a lack of access to healthcare. While older people are more commonly thought of as the population vulnerable to these conditions, homeless youth can be irreversibly affected both physically and mentally.
Indeed, extreme heat has a detrimental effect on homeless youth’s mental and emotional health in addition to its physical risks. High temperatures may intensify the stress of their living conditions, making them more irritable and less able to cope, which can negatively impact their day-to-day life. In addition to the difficulty of getting enough sleep in such tough conditions, food rotting becomes a persistent problem without refrigeration. As a result, many turn to dangerous ways in an attempt to get relief, such as eating food that is spoiled or drinking unsafe water.
According to the US Weather Channel, “Homeless people are about 200 times more likely to die from heat-associated causes than sheltered people.” This statistic highlights the urgent need for focused interventions and assistance.
These young individuals frequently wind up on the streets due to circumstances beyond their control. Often, they are fleeing an abusive home or relationship, or their legal guardian could be battling addiction and substance abuse issues. Additionally, about 40% of young people who are homeless identify as LGBTQ+, often finding themselves on the streets due to a lack of support and being kicked out by their families. It is unfair to know that these are kids who feel excluded from society. There are an estimated 1.7 million individuals experiencing homelessness, with half of those being under 15 years old. Join us today to help create a brighter future and end the cycle of homelessness for our youth.
Written by Emma Berglund Puri