Lack of designated cooling centers puts homeless population at risk in Victoria; in June several people had to go to the ER

VICTORIA, Texas - The South Texas heat is a challenge for everyone, especially those who cannot easily escape the hot temperatures. A local advocate for the homeless reports about 7 people have gone to the hospital for heat-related illnesses.

Kim Pickens, homeless advocate with The Humility Project, would like to see more cooling centers in town. "Due to the lack of designated cooling centers in Victoria, the homeless population go to the library, Christ's Kitchen, or area stores to escape the heat, but they can only stay for a short period of time, before they are forced back out again. This cycle will eventually lead many homeless down a dangerous path," Pickens said.

"I do know that we have had a rise in people going to the emergency room because of heat stroke. I know at least 5 to 10 people over the past month that have ended up in the ER," said Pickens.

Pickens recommends if you see a homeless person, feel free to give them a water bottle, a handheld fan mist, or even a cold cloth so they can wipe the sweat away.

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