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LA’s Unhoused Are Particularly Vulnerable During Heat Waves
A homelessman sleeps on a bus bench on a hot day in Downtown Los Angeles.
(
Chava Sanchez/ LAist
)
We're partway through the first heatwave of June.
The high temperatures may be uncomfortable for some, but they can mean danger for L.A.'s unhoused population, many of whom live outside without any access to air conditioning, shade or water.
Mayra Lozano, a representative from Water Drop L.A., said that volunteers are focused on getting cold water and ice out to the homeless who otherwise have little protection from heat-related illness.
“This is a population that is already very vulnerable,” she said. “Heatwaves like the one that L.A. is going through this week can be detrimental to somebody's health.”
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Lozano, whose organization distributes thousands of gallons of water to residents on Skid Row every week, recalls having to help some unhoused people find medical attention last summer during a similar heat wave.
She adds that anybody can help, by freezing some water bottles at home and passing them out to people nearby.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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