Wood's Homes is collecting items for homeless youth in the community. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Woods Homes collecting items to protect homeless youths from extreme heat

Jul 18, 2024 | 9:37 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Much of southern Alberta remains under a heat warning, and a local group is reminding the public that extreme heat impacts the unhoused population the most.

Wood’s Homes CEO Bjorn Johansson says people living without shelter are 200 times more likely to die during extreme heat than those with shelter.

He adds that the non-profit’s Emergency Youth Shelter is desperate for supplies, which is why they are collecting donations for “cooling kits.”

“When a young person is living inner city without shelter, the heat is literally unbearable,” says Johansson. “Access to a simple cooling kit can provide the essentials that make a person experiencing homelessness’ horrible day into a tolerable one.”

Some of the needed items that can be included in a cooling kit are:

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• Bottled water
• Gatorade, juice box
• Sun protection: hat, sun visor, sunscreen, light shirt
• Hygiene products: wet wipes, deodorant, lip balm
• Seasonal foot protection: sandals, flip-flops
• Granola bars, fruit snacks
• Reusable water bottle
• Durable bag, backpack

Donations can be dropped off at Wood’s Homes, 312 3 Street South in Lethbridge.

READ MORE: Southern Alberta heat warning in effect again

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