When the Temperature Rises, So Does the Risk: Protecting Our Unhoused Neighbors During Extreme Heat

When the Temperature Rises, So Does the Risk: Protecting Our Unhoused Neighbors During Extreme Heat

When temperatures rise, many people can simply go inside, turn on the air conditioning, and wait for the hottest part of the day to pass. For individuals and families experiencing homelessness, that option often does not exist.

Across Southern Maryland, people sleeping outside, living in vehicles, staying temporarily with others, or moving from place to place face increased risks during periods of extreme heat. Heat exhaustion, dehydration, worsening medical conditions, and heat-related illnesses become very real concerns.

At the Southern Maryland Local Homeless Coalition (LHC), we know that homeles

sness does not pause during the summer months. In fact, extreme heat often makes an already difficult situation even more dangerous.

Why Heat Is Different for Someone Experiencing Homelessness

For many individuals experiencing homelessness, daily survival already requires spending long periods outdoors. People may walk miles to access food, medical care, public transportation, employment, social services, or shelter resources.

Extreme heat creates additional barriers, including:

• Limited access to air conditioning.

• Difficulty staying hydrated.

• Existing medical conditions that worsen in high temperatures.

• Limited transportation to cooling locations.

• Few places to safely rest during the day.

• Increased risks for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those with chronic health conditions.

• Families with children experiencing housing instability.

For someone living in a tent, vehicle, campground, or outside, a few hours in an air-conditioned building can make a tremendous difference.

What Does This Look Like in Southern Maryland?

While every person's situation is different, the effects of extreme heat can be seen throughout our region.

Calvert County

In Calvert County, individuals experiencing homelessness may travel significant distances to access food, services, or safe places to cool down. Limited public transportation can make reaching air-conditioned locations difficult, especially during dangerous temperatures.

Charles County

In Charles County, individuals experiencing homelessness may spend much of the day moving between libraries, shopping centers, bus stops, public buildings, and service providers while trying to stay cool and safe.

St. Mary's County

In St. Mary's County, individuals may walk between Lexington Park, service providers, libraries, community resources, and public spaces while seeking relief from the heat. For many, finding a safe indoor space during the hottest hours of the day can be challenging.

For many of our unhoused neighbors, there is no place to simply "go home" when temperatures become dangerous.

Cooling Centers and Safe Spaces Matter

Cooling centers are more than air-conditioned buildings. They provide:

• Protection from dangerous temperatures.

• Access to drinking water.

• Places to rest and recover.

• Access to restrooms.

• Opportunities to connect with services.

• Safe indoor spaces during the hottest parts of the day.

While cooling centers are not a substitute for permanent housing, they are an important resource that can help save lives during periods of extreme heat.

Current Cooling Resources

Please note: Cooling center locations and hours may change based on weather conditions or local emergency activations. Individuals are encouraged to call ahead when possible.

Calvert County

Calvert Library – Prince Frederick Branch850 Costley Way, Prince Frederick

Harriet E. Brown Community Center901 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick

Charles County

Charles County Department of Community Services8190 Port Tobacco Road, Port Tobacco

Nanjemoy Community Center4375 Port Tobacco Road, Nanjemoy

St. Mary's County

Three Oaks Center46905 Lei Drive, Lexington ParkMonday–Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

The Robert CenterSheriff Miedzinski Way, Lexington ParkMonday–Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Additional locations such as libraries, senior centers, and community centers throughout Southern Maryland may open or expand hours during periods of extreme heat.

How Businesses Can Help

Businesses throughout Southern Maryland can make a tremendous difference.

Something as simple as:

• Offering a cup of water.

• Allowing someone to sit inside for a few minutes.

• Providing access to air conditioning.

• Sharing information about cooling centers.

• Keeping bottled water available.

• Calling for medical assistance when someone appears distressed.

A person carrying bags down the side of the road may simply need ten minutes in a cool building and a bottle of water. Small acts of kindness can prevent medical emergencies.

How Community Members Can Help

Everyone has a role to play.

You can:

• Carry extra bottles of water in your vehicle.

• Check on vulnerable neighbors.

• Share information about cooling centers.

• Help someone access transportation.

• Support local outreach efforts.

• Treat individuals experiencing homelessness with dignity and compassion.

Many people experiencing homelessness in our communities are our neighbors, veterans, older adults, individuals with disabilities, workers, and families facing difficult circumstances.

Housing Is the Real Solution

Cooling centers save lives, but they are not the solution to homelessness.

Every person deserves a safe place to sleep, protection from the elements, and the stability that housing provides. Until everyone in our communities has access to safe and stable housing, we must continue working together to protect our most vulnerable neighbors during every season.

Because when temperatures rise, the people without shelter face the greatest risks.

The Southern Maryland Local Homeless Coalition remains committed to coordinating resources, supporting our community partners, and advocating for individuals and families experiencing homelessness throughout Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's Counties.

For shelter information, coordinated entry access points, and additional resources, please visit:

www.somdlhc.org

Together, we can ensure that no one faces dangerous temperatures alone.