Outreach workers Maryanne Styles and Delores Liggins check in on a local homeless individual.
When many of us check our weather app before work and see a heat wave warning, we dress in light colors, crank up the A/C on our commute, and generally avoid the outdoors during the day. We may complain about the sweltering conditions, but the heat generally proves a minor inconvenience. For those experiencing homelessness, though, high temperatures and vulnerable circumstances can quickly become detrimental to their health – and potentially deadly.
It’s during these “Code Red” conditions that Hall-Mercer Community Behavioral Health Center’s Homeless Outreach team is indispensable.
The Homeless Outreach team hits the streets of Center City 365 days a year – in rain, sleet, or 100+ degree weather – to check in with individuals and families struggling with homelessness. The members offer options for emergency housing, behavioral health, and medical treatment, as well as warmer clothing in the winter and plenty of cold water in the summer.
The team aims to foster open, empathetic, and judgment-free dialogues in order to build trusting relationships. Establishing this trust, often via multiple follow-up interactions, has implications that extend past the immediate relief of a water bottle or a hat. With demonstrated long-term support, these individuals are more likely to take the next steps to access shelter, housing, or support services.
“The team is comprised of many experienced members who excel at forming reliable relationships with those experiencing homelessness,” said Maryanne Bourbeau, MS, manager of Hall-Mercer’s Targeted Case Management Program. “The focus of the conversation is often shelter or housing, but they also talk to individuals about survival needs, particularly during a Code Red,” when issues like dehydration and sunburn can quickly escalate.
In addition to distributing water, the team provides information about locations to cool down, and will also offer to transport individuals to shelters or drop-in centers. During last month’s Code Red heat wave, the team connected with over 50 homeless individuals, many of whom were at increased risk of heat-related illnesses due to vulnerability factors such as age, medical issues, or substance abuse.
“Without relief from the heat, many may suffer from heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke,” said dedicated outreach worker Helena Boyle. “A smile and a cold water can go a long way!” she adds, even in the case of two family members who consistently refused the team’s assistance, but who – through steady relationship-building – finally agreed to stop at the Hall-Mercer lobby to cool down.
By developing genuine connections with individuals many others choose to ignore, and broadcasting a message of persistence and compassion, the incredible members of the Homeless Outreach team ensure those experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia can access the necessities to stay safe and cool during extreme heat, as well as links to resources that can help put them on a new path whenever they’re ready.
If you see someone experiencing homelessness during a Code Red, please call the Homeless Outreach team at 215.232.1984.