Downtown Mission offering relief as health unit extends heat warning

Like many of the city's homeless population, Russell Mulhollandis struggling to stay cool during the first major heat wave of the year.

To help out, the Downtown Mission is offering relief from rising temperatures as Environment Canada and the Windsor health unit have extended their heat warnings for the region.

• Heat warning extended for Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent

The blazing temperatures will cause "additional hardships" for the homeless, according to a media release from the mission's chief executive officer, Ron Dunn.

As the mercury goes up, so does the risk of sunstroke, dehydration and death from exposure, he added. That's something Mulholland is familiar with.

"It's detrimental to your health," he said. "It's very, very intimidating and it worries me."

Mulholland has an apartment right now, but he is losing that in a few weeks because he can't afford it. He's been using the Mission shelter's services for several years, he told CBC News.

Health unit issues extended heat warning

The Windsor-Essex Health Unit is also asking residents to take care. An extended heat warning is in place and people are warned to take steps such as drinking water and limitingoutdoor activities.

The mission has opened its doors to allow access to air-conditioned space and shelter.

"With these extreme conditions being forecast we welcome people and families who are in discomfort and unable to get relief from the hot weather," said Dunn. "We offer water and other refreshments so no one needs to risk getting a heat-related illness."

Although the dormitories at the mission are currently operating at full capacity, people who need a place to sleep are asked to be at the Wellness Centre on OuelletteAvenue by 10 p.m.