Miami, Florida – The Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust has announced new protective measures to help people experiencing homelessness manage the extreme heat season. In collaboration with Miami-Dade County’s Office of Resilience and Miami-Dade’s Department of Emergency Management, several activities and protocols have been put in place to safeguard vulnerable individuals from the dangers of excessive heat.
Visible Alerts and Prepared Outreach Teams
Homeless outreach teams are now wearing Red Heat Alert T-shirts to serve as a visual cue to unsheltered individuals that temperatures have reached dangerous levels. This initiative aims to immediately inform those at risk about the hazardous conditions. Additionally, Continuum of Care providers have been trained by Miami-Dade County to recognize signs of heat-related illnesses and are prepared to access emergency services if clients exhibit symptoms.
Providing Essential Supplies and Cooling Centers
Outreach teams are actively engaging with homeless individuals, equipped with supplies to meet their immediate heat-related needs. These supplies include water, gaiters, cooling towels, ice packs, and other relief items. Vulnerable individuals are being directed to designated cooling centers, such as libraries, community centers, and parks. Furthermore, Homeless Trust-contracted providers like Camillus House and Miami Rescue Mission are extending hours at their day center and indoor feeding locations to offer additional cooling center locations.
A Collective Effort to Save Lives
“We saw the heat’s impact last summer and we know unsheltered individuals are particularly vulnerable to the elements,” said Ron Book, Chair of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust. “With the help of our partners and generous donors, combined with new policies and procedures, the unhoused have options to stay cool and ride out these events in the safest way possible. We are determined to make sure our efforts save lives.”
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The Severity of Heat-Related Risks
Heat contributes to approximately 1,500 deaths annually across the country, with advocates estimating that about half of these victims are homeless. Studies suggest that people experiencing homelessness are 200 times more likely to die from heat-related causes than those who are sheltered. While the Trust’s Continuum of Care houses over 8,000 individuals, the 1,030 unsheltered individuals remain the primary focus of the Trust’s coordinated response.
A Commitment to Protecting the Homeless
The Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, through its strategic partnerships and enhanced safety measures, is dedicated to mitigating the risks posed by extreme heat to the homeless population. By providing essential supplies, extending services, and ensuring access to cooling centers, the Trust aims to protect the health and well-being of Miami-Dade County’s most vulnerable residents during the sweltering summer months.
