According to Mel Trotter officials, the Grand Rapids shelter, which operates a cooling center during heat waves, saw 411 unique guests over the weekend, which is significant compared to the 50 guests they typically host at their day center during more temperate weather.
“For our folks who are unhoused, they use the cooling centers so that they can go somewhere during the day where they don’t have to worry about being outside and being vulnerable to the weather.”
Courtney Myers-Keaton is Director at the Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness. She explains how intense heat waves can exacerbate health conditions not just for those experiencing housing insecurities, but also the elderly and the very young.
“The weather right now is extremely dangerous for people who are considered vulnerable and a lot of our unhoused populations tend to have multiple health conditions that can make them even more vulnerable than say our typical population.”
Currently, there are eight cooling centers in Grand Rapids, including many churches and most Kent District Libraries.
More information on where to find cooling centers and hours of operation can be found here or by calling 211.
