When the Heat Rises, So Does the Risk

If someone asked you, “What’s the most dangerous time of year for people experiencing homelessness and deep poverty?” what would you say?

For many, winter seems the obvious answer. But as Guest Relations & Community Safety Manager Chyna Parker explains, “I used to believe winter was harshest on unhoused people, but I’ve learned—and statistics show—that summer is hardest.”

Why is summer so dangerous?

We all feel uncomfortable and short-tempered in extreme heat. But for unhoused people, summer can be life-threatening.

People experiencing homelessness are at higher risk of hyperthermia, heat stroke, and dehydration. Many manage chronic conditions like heart disease or respiratory illness, which are worsened by extreme heat. Medications for both physical and mental health challenges often interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature, making it harder to cool down.

Even basic survival strategies pose risks. Many people experiencing homelessness wear layers of clothing to protect or keep hold of their belongings, despite the heat. Sleeping outdoors can lead to contact burns from hot surfaces, sunburn, or even confusion and collapse from dehydration.

“We try to meet people where they are,” Chyna says. “During heat waves, we have conversations like, ‘We respect your decisions, and we’d love to connect you with the doctor to talk about caring for your body in this heat. Is that something you’d be open to?’”

Radical Hospitality in the Heat

At Broad Street Love, our response includes more than just cold water and air conditioning– though we offer those, too. It’s about building trust and relationships.

Our Avenue of the Arts Concierge, Justus, and members of the Guest Relations and Community Safety team regularly walk the neighborhood, offering water, hygiene supplies, maps of cooling centers, and contact info for the city’s Office of Homeless Services. They also extend a personal invitation to visit Broad Street Love.

Inside our building, guests are encouraged to rest, cool down, and hydrate. “We remind people that we aren’t going anywhere,” Chyna says. “If you lose your sweatshirt, our clothing boutique will be here. We’ve got you covered.” That message—you don’t need to worry about having enough, there’s support available—is part of the culture of abundance we practice every day.

What can you do?

Extreme heat is a public health crisis—and a chance to practice Radical Hospitality in your own life. Here are a few small but meaningful ways to help:

• Save the City’s Homeless Outreach number in your phone: 215-232-1984. If you see someone in heat distress, you can make a call on their behalf.
• Carry extra water to hand out during hot days.
• Print and share maps of cooling centers and places where folks can rest without being expected to spend money.
• Support organizations like Broad Street Love that offer safe, low-barrier spaces year-round. A monthly gift ensures that our most vulnerable neighbors have support no matter the season or weather.
• Lead with compassion. Be extra patient, kind, and aware when temperatures are high. A simple act of care can change—and even save—a life.