When the heat rises dramatically during summer months, people experiencing homelessness are at extreme risk. Heat-related illness can occur when a person’s body is unable to counter the increase in temperature and properly cool off. The Jeffco Severe Weather Heading Home collaboration has established a volunteer and sheltering program for individuals experiencing homelessness during our cold weather months. Come join us as we expand our cold weather outreach to hot weather months.
Become A Volunteer
Hot Weather Outreach will happen when the temperature is forecasted to be above 95 degrees for 2 or more days in a row. Volunteers will receive an email announcing a HOT weather event at least 24 hours in advance when possible, as well as where outreach is needed during that week. The email will contain a link to sign up for outreach volunteer shifts of various lengths. If you are interested in, or would like more information about volunteering, please email Amy Sciangula at [email protected]. Once you voice a desire to volunteer, your email address will be added to a Hot Weather notification email calling for volunteers when hot weather is anticipated.
Note: Volunteers will be on their feet the entire shift, walking to locate those experiencing homelessness, setting up/breaking down cooling sites, delivering supplies to sites, and conducting screenings. Facial coverings are required while volunteering. Hand sanitizer will be available but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own. Volunteers will be asked to perform a self-check for COVID symptoms prior to starting any volunteer shift and notify the organizers if they answer yes to symptom guides. Volunteers will be paired into groups, when possible, and may need to drive to different locations to provide supplies to the homeless.
Support Hot Weather Outreach
If you are not able to volunteer, please consider supporting the Hot Weather effort through donations of bottled water and sunscreen. Contact Amy Sciangula at [email protected] for drop off location or pick up of items you wish to donate.