Summer heat brings more challenges for Lethbridge’s most vulnerable

During the summer heat, many people will try to stay inside to avoid the sun, but for Lethbridge's homeless population, that's not so easy.

While some Lethbridge residents may love the summer sun, the heat can pose problems for the city’s most vulnerable.

Streets Alive Mission chief operating officer Cameron Kissick says Lethbridge’s homeless can suffer from heat stroke and sunburn, or can be plagued by bug bites.

Making things harder is the fact many of the city’s unhoused residents carry all their possessions with them all throughout the year.

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It means many will wear multiple layers of clothing even on scorching hot days.

“Homeless people basically wear what they own,” said Bill Ginther, executive director of the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen. “So, you don’t see them wearing shorts and short-sleeved shirts much. They wear what they have – and that could be year-round – so they’re pretty hot.”

Organizations around the city are starting to stock up on bottled water to hand out.

The Interfaith Food Bank Society of Lethbridge’s bottled water drive has seen plenty of donations coming from members of the community and businesses.

Despite that, officials say even more help is needed.

“As soon as it comes in, it is going out,” said executive director Danielle McIntyre. “We’ve got multiple agencies that are helping us with the distribution, and the outreach teams are out there in full force.”

The organization is also asking for donations of everything from sunscreen to water bottles.

“Lip balm – ChapStick goes a long way,” said Kissick.

“Aloe vera gels for the cases of sunburn, things like that, and then not just bottles of water, but water bottles – reusable water bottles. The ability to be able to give them something they can refill.”

A 2022 Point in Time Count found 454 people in Lethbridge are experiencing homelessness.