In April, KJZZ told you about how one organization that supports unhoused seniors was preparing for our scorching summer. Here's how things are going in August.
Last year, members of Justa Center in Phoenix experienced dehydration, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke. This year is a different story.
"You know, we've been pretty fortunate since this summer started to now we really haven't had that many 911 calls for dehydration or people falling out," said Rudy Soliz, director of operations for the center.
"We've been going through a lot of water. We go through about two pallets of water in a week-and-a-half. And then we also keep cold water for the members outside. We freeze water, we get electrolytes. We got cool hats, cool wraps, umbrellas, things to keep them shaded, things to keep them cool," Soliz said.
Pamela, 59, is a member of Justa Center. She didn’t want to give her last name.
"It's deadly to be out in the heat," she said. "You don't realize that you are heat exhausted, or you just don't realize it until you've reached the point of no return."
Which she has, she said. "Several times. Like nausea, vomiting. Dizziness, blackout," Pamela said.
According to the National Weather Service, this could be the hottest summer on record.
