As summer temperatures rise and Utah faces another season of extreme heat, the risks for the homeless population in Salt Lake City become increasingly dire.
While many residents can escape the sweltering conditions in air-conditioned buildings and vehicles, those without homes often have no refuge from the brutal sun.
The harsh realities of hyperthermia and heat-related illnesses highlight an urgent need for action to protect the city’s vulnerable residents.
A report from Las Vegas reveals that homeless deaths significantly increase on high-heat days.
In stark contrast, outdoor enthusiasts who hike in extreme temperatures can often rely on rescue services in case of heat-related issues.
Unfortunately, most unsheltered individuals cannot rely on any such safety nets.
Research has shown that homeless individuals are 27 times more likely to visit emergency rooms due to heat-related illness and injury than those with stable housing.
Furthermore, the psychological toll of prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to increased rates of suicidal ideation, manic episodes, and substance abuse.
The physical dangers extend to severe burns, as reported incidents from Orlando have shown severely burned feet among homeless individuals who have fallen asleep on hot pavement.
In Las Vegas, some unsheltered individuals have suffered second and third-degree burns from the scorching ground.
Unfortunately, Salt Lake’s infrastructure for homeless support is falling short in addressing these challenges.
In 2023, nearly $10 million was allocated to combat homelessness across various Utah cities, yet only $400,000 was designated for communities and neighborhoods.
A staggering 84% of that funding went towards hiring more police for a supposed “homeless response,” allowing for purchases of new tactical gear instead of expanding shelter services.
With insufficient shelter beds available, many individuals are forced to live on the streets.
This situation has led to the emergence of makeshift camps around Salt Lake City, causing distress among local landowners.
Rather than tackling the root issues of homelessness, the proprietors often express frustration over the challenges posed by these camps, citing concerns over property damage and lawlessness.
In an attempt to alleviate the heat crisis, state lawmakers proposed a bill to create “code red” alerts.
These alerts would signal when temperatures hit 105°F and allow cooling shelters to expand their capacity by 35%.
However, this crucial bill aimed at protecting the vulnerable homeless population failed to pass in the Utah House and will not be revisited until the 2025 session.
Without this legislation, the already inadequate number of shelter beds leaves many homeless individuals exposed to the relentless heat of summer.
Karissa Guthrie, community relations coordinator for The Road Home, notes the severe consequences of such inadequate provisions.
She states that the unsheltered are at a heightened risk for conditions like dehydration and heat exhaustion, lack access to cooling locations, and face brutal environmental elements.
“The elements are brutal, and these temperatures are gonna creep back up,” Guthrie explains.
While shelters provide essential overnight care, many are operating at or above capacity, leading to the denial of services for numerous individuals at risk.
Guthrie emphasizes the need for additional shelter beds, stating, “We’re turning away more people than we’re letting in nightly.
If people want a safe place to turn to, having these extra beds helps make sure people aren’t dying out on the streets.”
To combat this crisis, Guthrie encourages community participation through donations and advocacy.
She calls for support towards agencies that assist homeless people and advocates for the establishment of more shelter beds and resources.
The Road Home continues to seek donations of essential items, including Chapstick, sunscreen, hats, and cool rags to help protect against the dangers associated with intense heat.
With summer’s heat reasserting itself annually, the compassion shown towards Salt Lake’s unsheltered community has never been more critical.
Simple actions, such as donating sunscreen or allowing individuals to remain in air-conditioned spaces, can significantly impact their safety and well-being.
Salt Lake must urgently enhance its resources for the homeless because the consequences of inaction during extreme weather are dire.
It is vital to extend compassion and support to all community members, as extreme heat poses a critical threat to both the unsheltered population and society at large.
The impact of the soaring temperatures in Utah is felt across the spectrum, and with concerted efforts, it is possible to bring relief and protection to the vulnerable in our communities.
image source from：dailyutahchronicle
