As the temperatures reached sweltering highs in the upper 90s on Wednesday afternoon, individuals in central Las Vegas, particularly those experiencing homelessness, took proactive steps to find relief from the relentless heat.
Outside the city’s open-air, air-conditioned Courtyard Homeless Resource Center, people sought solace in limited shade, while some resorted to creative cooling methods. One woman used a spray bottle to mist her arms and legs, demonstrating the lengths to which individuals went to find some respite.
In a more communal act of kindness, a motorist stopped her vehicle to hand out water bottles from the trunk, highlighting the community’s efforts to support those in need.
At the nearby CARE Complex, Byron Johnson utilized a public water fountain to drench his clothes and cool down his head. Johnson, who has faced homelessness for around two decades, shares that he relies on the city’s shelter primarily for access to “cool air, have some water, stay clean and get some clean clothes.”
He remarked on the availability of water, stating, “There’s plenty of water here.”
Adequate hydration is essential to prevent serious illnesses, particularly during extreme heat. Clark County has recorded a staggering 527 heat-related deaths in 2024 alone, with reports indicating that 29 fatalities have occurred this year due to the heat.
Municipal and nonprofit organizations are working tirelessly to avert further tragedies as the summer heat persists.
Each day, street teams from HELP of Southern Nevada traverse homeless encampments to assess potential clients for services, distributing water alongside survival kits. Abby Quinn, the nonprofit’s chief community relations officer, emphasized the importance of water, stating, “Water is life or death for our clients.”
With housing services dwindling, Quinn noted that during extreme temperatures, the provision of water is vital to help individuals survive day to day.
In a proactive effort, a forklift operator was seen maneuvering pallets of water cases at HELP’s warehouse on Tuesday. The organization is currently focused on an annual drive allowing locals to donate water bottles, which runs through Labor Day. Since Memorial Day, they secured an impressive 58,000 bottles.
Quinn expressed gratitude towards the community, stating, “We definitely need our community. It’s one case of water: It’s probably one of the easiest ways to assist.”
For those who are unable to drop off water at the nonprofit’s location, Quinn mentioned the option to donate funds for purchasing water at discounted rates.
“In the summer, we leave a case of water rather than just a few bottles because we don’t know when we will return, but we know they will need more than just two bottles to stay hydrated,” she noted.
HELP encourages its clients to seek shelter and enroll in housing programs, a pursuit complicated by a significant shortage of affordable housing in Southern Nevada.
Currently, there are thousands of clients awaiting housing assistance, according to the nonprofit’s records.
Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, which manages a shelter and dining hall, has similarly committed to providing hydration during the heat. Staff members distribute water to those waiting in line, which is equipped with misters and fans.
“Water bottles and electrolyte packets are available to clients any time they are in the shelter or in need of hydration,” the nonprofit confirmed. Additionally, they offer summer-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and hats to clients.
A recent point-in-time homelessness census conducted in January 2024 documented 7,906 homeless individuals, both sheltered and unsheltered, in Southern Nevada. This figure marks a 20 percent increase from 2023 and the highest count seen in a decade.
While the valley’s population has surged, the rate of homelessness has also been on the rise since 2020, as reported by the Southern Nevada Continuum of Care, which manages the census.
With 4,200 individuals counted on the streets in 2024, this reflects a 7 percent increase year-over-year. There are no planned censuses for this year, and the next is slated for 2026.
Quinn expressed concerns about the rising numbers, saying, “We definitely have seen an increase, and I think that we’ll continue to see those numbers go up.” She underscored apprehension regarding possible cuts to federal funding that could exacerbate conditions for the homeless.
To combat the extreme temperatures, HELP staffers strategically place signage to alert clients about predicted heat waves or flash flooding. Clients can visit the nonprofit weekly to collect clean clothing and other necessities.
In addition to these immediate measures, Clark County activates cooling stations to shelter homeless individuals from the intense heat.
The city of Las Vegas confirmed that many of these locations, including libraries and community centers, are accessible to the public, regardless of the temperature.
Authorities are collaborating to disseminate information regarding extreme temperatures and safety measures.
Outreach teams work daily to provide water and services during the summer months, ensuring that the most vulnerable receive support.
In a longer-term strategy, the city has initiated the planting of 60,000 new trees by 2050 as part of an urban cooling initiative.
The goals of this effort are to help reduce the temperatures within the city and mitigate the effects of urban heat islands.
According to Latoya Johnson, CEO of the CARE Complex, individuals utilize the nonprofit’s water faucet not only for drinks but to keep cool and clean as well.
“When you’re out there with no shade, it’s worse,” she said, referring to the harsh conditions of summer.
Kenneth Palmer, a recent arrival to Las Vegas from the cooler climate of Toledo, Ohio, shared his struggles with the heat after enduring an unfortunate vehicle accident on his trip. Without an ID after losing it on public transport, he plans to stay temporarily at the Courtyard while he figures out his next steps.
Palmer recounted his experiences in area stores, where he felt unwelcome and compared the treatment of patrons. “They treat people like they’re all homeless,” he stated.
Richard Gladstone, who has been navigating homelessness for two years after his rent was doubled by a property management company, shared that he has learned to cope with the extreme heat as a long-time Las Vegas resident.
“I keep a rag. I keep it wet; keep my head cool,” said Gladstone, who indicated that he is on the verge of securing his own housing soon, adding, “I’ll have my own home any day now.”
image source from：reviewjournal
