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A local nonprofit in Oklahoma City is helping homeless residents stay safe as extreme temperatures create dangerous conditions.
Triple-digit temperatures arrive in oklahoma
Oklahoma City has entered what's expected to be the hottest stretch of the year, with triple‑digit temperatures settling in across the metro.
As residents search for ways to stay cool, the heat poses a far more dangerous challenge for people experiencing homelessness.
Heat creates life‑threatening conditions
Whitley O'Conner, founder and CEO of The Curbside Chronicle, says extreme heat can quickly become deadly for anyone living outdoors.
"If you're out in this every day for hours and hours on end, it can really be brutal. Not just brutal, but life‑threatening," O'Conner said.
Curbside Chronicle steps in
The Oklahoma City nonprofit is distributing water and essential heat‑relief supplies to anyone who needs them. O'Conner says no one leaves without a bottle of water.
"It's really important, hydration," he said.
Beyond employing people experiencing homelessness, Curbside Chronicle serves as a resource hub.
Staff provide wide‑brimmed hats, bug spray, sunscreen and cooling rags to help people stay safe during the hottest days of summer.
O'Conner recalled one person who returned this year with the cooling rag they received last summer.
"That's something they've obviously kept because it's really important to them to stay safe and stay cool," he said.
Heat impacts vendors' income
Many Curbside vendors rely on magazine sales for income, but the heat often makes it harder to work.
"We typically see a little bit of a dip during the summer when it's really hot," O'Conner said.
Even so, vendors continue showing up because the income is essential.
"They need to provide for themselves and get back on their feet," he said. "That's why it's so vital for us to provide those safety opportunities so they can go out, sell, make their money, but do it responsibly and safely."
Community support and how to help
O'Conner says the community has already stepped up in a big way, but donations are still needed to keep vendors protected through the rest of the summer.
To learn more about Curbside Chronicle or to donate, visit: https://www.thecurbsidechronicle.org/
