The Turlock Gospel Mission is offering people experiencing homelessness a reprieve from the summer sun with the opening of their cooling center at 437 S. Broadway.
“Unfortunately, the typical remedies for hot temperatures don’t come easy to the homeless,” TGM said in a news release. “Air conditioning, electric fans, ample water, lighter clothing, and shade are hard to find for those living on the street, in a car or in a tent.”
To help those experiencing homelessness survive triple-digit temperatures Turlock Gospel Mission has opened a cooling center at its Broadway Street shelter. The center is open to anyone seeking relief from the heat from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
The cooling shelter is a clean, climate-controlled purpose-built structure open seven days a week for men, women and children. The Mission also offers provision for storage of personal items, with some restrictions. There are also options for comfort and support for the animal companions of unsheltered residents of Turlock and southern Stanislaus County.
Temperatures in Turlock will remain in the high 90s for the next week with nighttime lows in the 60s.
High temperatures can pose serious dangers for those without a place to cool down. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports some of the more frequent heat-related illnesses are: sunburn, heat rash, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke. Rising temperatures can also lead to dehydration, heat-induced insomnia, and can make it harder to keep food from spoiling when it is being kept outdoors.
TGM will be providing meals to those using the cooling center. Breakfast is served at 8 a.m., lunch at 12:30 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m.
“In addition to these life sustaining emergency services, the Mission offers both live-in and drop-in case management services, as well as vocational training, trauma counseling, and a faith-based life restoration program,” said Christian Curby, CEO and Executive Director of the Mission.
Those wanting to help TGM can donate bottled water, hygiene items, pet food, human food and light wearable clothing for use by homeless individuals. Anyone who wants to help can drop these items off at 437 S. Broadway in Turlock.
“We need volunteers every day,” said Curby. “Everyone who is interested can sign up on our website (https://turlockgospelmission.org/).”
