OurCalling, a Dallas-based non-profit organization, is requesting donations to help homeless individuals survive the heat as triple-digit temperatures continue in the city.
As reported by The Dallas Express, the organization launched “Beat the Heat” kits last month to help the unsheltered as they spend long periods outside. The kits contain bottled water, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, cooling neck wraps, and other items.
The faith-based organization requests donations from the general public for sunscreen, sunglasses, and new, reusable insulated water bottles. OurCalling is accepting financial offerings as well through OurCalling.org/Hot.
The OurCalling app can be downloaded and used to report the location of someone who may be in need.
“Our search and rescue teams will go out and visit that individual right where they are, give them the heat kits, and more importantly, find opportunities to get them off the street permanently,” said Ali Hendricksen with OurCalling.O
The organization anticipates helping 10,000 homeless people during the summer heat. It has extended its facility hours till 3 p.m. until further notice and occasionally until 6 p.m. when the heat index is higher so that people can take advantage of the air conditioning at the facility.
“When it’s hot, it can be extremely dangerous for our homeless friends,” said Hendrickson. Elderly people are especially susceptible to illnesses brought on by the heat, such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and hyperthermia, according to the nonprofit.
The CEO and founder of OurCalling, Wayne Walker, believes that getting people off the streets is the best way to get them out of the heat. The non-profit organization announced that it would work all summer long to identify and offer more options to assist those who are homeless in finding shelters, housing, and mental health care.
OurCalling is located at 1702 S. Cesar Chavez Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75215.