Summer has arrived and while we might be dreaming of barbecues and vacations, let’s not forget our most vulnerable neighbors. Extreme weather is a part of the new normal – we’ve all seen the news – deadly tornadoes, devastating storms, the heat dome in the Southwest, and recent news that May was the twelfth straight month of record warm temperatures on the planet.

When temps soar to dangerous levels, we have homes to find comfort in. With a flip of a switch we can turn on the AC and grab a glass of ice water. But what about our unhoused community members who have no shelter? Or those who do, but can’t afford the luxuries most of us take for granted?

Before I discuss some tips to help our vulnerable neighbors during extreme heat, let’s take a look at a common roadblock that might stop you from acting. The misconception that you aren’t equipped to help.

You Can Do This

With limited access to water, shade, and air conditioning, facing extreme heat can be a matter of life or death. Churches are at the forefront of being equipped to help provide relief from the heat. They can become a cool, safe space to find comfort and a chance to rest. It only takes two or three people in short shifts to hand out water and assist with the needs of those suffering from the heat. Many churches also have established relationships with community organizations that can help with both supplies and volunteers.

Simple Ways Your Church Can Be a Heatwave Haven

Here are some simple ways that you can offer relief to those who need it most during this summer’s next heat wave in your area:

First things first: hydration. Dehydration during a heat wave can be deadly. One solution is to offer your church as a water bottle refill station. If the resources exist, hand out reusable water bottles with your church’s information.

If your church isn’t in a location that’s easy for those without transportation to visit, go to them.  Gather a Hydration for the Homeless taskforce and fill a couple of car back seats or pick-up beds with cases of water and reusable bottles, and drive to where you most often see the homeless. Ask those you encounter where others in need might be gathered.

Schedule days and times when your task force volunteers will be out in the community so folks know when to expect you. This can literally be a life-saving mission.

Cool down havens. Does your church have a big hall or a basement that stays nice and cool? It can be opened up as a cooling center during the hottest parts of the day. Offer comfy chairs, board games, and healthy snacks to replenish lost essential nutrients.

Sometimes even a restroom and basic hygiene supplies can go a long way to a person living in the elements every day. Provide a safe space to escape the heat and find some fellowship.

Ask your congregation to donate packages of basic essentials like toothpaste, toothbrushes, disposable wipes, sunscreen, band-aids, and put them in easily portable packets for your guests to take with them when they go.

Again, set a schedule where those in need know when your doors will be open to them.

Remember, we can’t do it all alone! Partner with other organizations in your community. Reach out to local stores for bulk discounts and stock a fridge with cool, refreshing water. Homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and social service agencies are often overwhelmed and understocked during the summer months and could use some help.

Ask what they need most and organize a donation drive.

And let’s not forget the power of a listening ear. A kind word, a friendly face – sometimes that’s all it takes to make someone feel seen. Encourage your congregation to volunteer at the cooling center, or simply chat with folks who come in for a refill. You never know, a conversation might be the first step towards getting someone the help they need.

And ASK! The homeless, and those whose finances don’t allow for air conditioning and other essentials during the hot summer months, know what they need most. It’s not about grand gestures, it’s about showing up with open hearts and helping hands. Cooling those less fortunate during these very hot summer months is love in action.

Want to take the next step in engaging your congregation and community outside of worship? Readiness 4 Renewal is a group coaching opportunity that will empower you to enrich your congregation and community in ways that you might not have imagined. My Senior Faculty member, Bonnie Marden, is offering a 30 minute Discovery Session if you’d like to learn more about impacting your ministry, your congregation, and your community.

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