Union Gospel Mission helping people escape this weekend’s heat

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — The drop-in centre at Vancouver’s Union Gospel Mission is opening up earlier than normal to help people needing to escape the heat today and through the weekend.

The UGM’s Nadia Tchoumi says last month’s deadly heat wave shows how much more work needs to be done to protect vulnerable people, especially those with chronic health problems.

“Last time was very concerning for us internally, but also sparked a conversation about what we need to be thinking about, and maybe even advocating for long term, as we look at the intersection of homelessness and climate change — look at long term, not just as an organization, but as a society.”

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The mission is accepting donations, located at 601 East Hastings Street.

“People looking for a place to cool off can come into the Cornerstone and hang out, of course. There’ll be some water available so they can get something to drink. We do accept donations for reusable water bottles, and for hats. I would just say small bottles of sunscreen, those are much easier to hand out.”

Tchoumi says volunteers will also spend time in the neighbourhood making sure people experiencing homelessness are safe.

“Crews are also going to be heading out not today, but starting Friday through to Sunday. They’ll be just driving through the alleys and handing out water bottles, handing out hats and sunscreen, it’s what’s needed for our community members to endure these next couple of days.”