Advocates urging Montrealers to look out for homeless community during heat wave

As Montreal’s heat wave continues, for those experiencing homelessness, the weather extremes can be particularly difficult.

“It gets pretty hot out there. I stayed out there for three years. It wasn’t fun,” said Yianni, who is unhoused in the city.

“During a heatwave, it’s a very dangerous time for homeless people. Especially those who are living in the streets, living in the parks, living under the bridges. We got to keep an eye out for them. If they’re behaving in a certain way, if they’re intoxicated, if they’re not themselves and are exposing themselves to the sun and the humidity, they can be in great danger,” said James Hughes, president and CEO of Old Brewery Mission.

David Chapman, executive director of Resilience Montreal, a non-profit day shelter situated on the corner of Atwater and Sainte Catherine, says some of the challenges facing the homeless community during a heat wave is the lack of self-awareness, especially those experiencing mental health issues and addiction.

“What that means is sometimes there isn’t a great degree of self-awareness and so, it’s important to look out for people when temperature goes up and the sun comes out and it’s really hot because they’re not able to look out for themselves,” said Chapman.

Hughes says there are around 1,000 people living in absolute homelessness in Montreal. Both Old Brewery Mission and Resilience Montreal provide outreach services during extreme weather like this, for example, going around and giving out water to those in need. But even with those services available, there are limitations.

“They can’t be everywhere all at once,” says Chapman, we’re occupied with services within our resource… and that’s just a reality of the fact that not only us but other community organizations in the region are struggling when it comes to finding staff.”

Advocates say use your best judgment when looking out for the homeless community during a heat wave. If someone is in obvious distress or not breathing, call 911. If they need water, get some for them.

“In many ways it’s a big rule. The three stays. Stay hydrated, stay inside or in the shade… and stay alert,” said Hughes.