'Boiling point': Here's what it's like to be homeless during a heat warning
CBC
High temperatures and a lack of resources have left the most vulnerable population in London, Ont., in a dangerous situation.
"It's getting to a boiling point I feel. People can get pushed and pushed … so far until eventually they get pushed over the edge," said Aaron Bourjet.
Bourjet is currently experiencing homelessness and seeing first hand the effects scorching high temperatures and limited resources are having on people living rough in Victoria Park.
One organization working to help these people was forced to close their indoor location because of the intense heat.
The Ark Aid Street Mission serves around 400 people a day, offering meals, showers and laundry services. They operated out of First Baptist Church's basement, but could no longer do so when the inside temperatures became unbearable.
The mission has been distributing meals outdoors instead of using the church basement, where temperatures hit 34 C earlier this week, even with fans running. It's currently fundraising for air conditioners.
That's also left the organization's clients without access to showers during high temperatures.
"It's pretty hot out these days, and it's one of those days where we could all really need a shower. At this point, even a garden hose would be better than nothing," said Bourjet.
People have been coming to the Ark with symptoms of heat exhaustion, said Sarah Campbell, the Ark Aid Mission's executive director. It can get so hot that people experiencing homelessness stop sleeping and experience medical issues, she said. In London, there was a heat warning for two days this week, and even days without a heat alert, the temperatures are above 30 C.
"Multiple days where it hasn't been cool means that people also weren't sleeping even out on the street, even under the open air," Campbell told CBC News.
"If the temperature doesn't drop below 21 [C], bodies aren't able to recuperate and get the rest that they need to be well."
Another man experiencing homelessness goes by Big Red, and is no stranger to the effects of high temperatures.
"You're skin actually literally starts to burn … it feels like it's burning. You're constantly dry mouth, you know it's not fun," he said.
"The heat is exhausting"