When the weather warms up, homelessness doesn’t get easier

Much of the country is currently experiencing a period of exceptionally hot weather, with temperatures expected to remain high throughout the week. Some forecasts suggest that Thursday could be the hottest day of the year so far.

In some areas, Severe Weather Emergency Protocols (SWEP) have been activated to help protect people sleeping rough from the risks associated with extreme heat.

When temperatures rise, the risks do not disappear. In many cases, they increase.

Most people associate severe weather and homelessness with winter. Freezing temperatures, snow and emergency accommodation during cold spells are widely understood. The risks associated with hot weather receive less attention.

Yet for people experiencing homelessness, hot weather brings its own set of risks. Some of them are immediate. Others are less obvious.

While people sleeping rough may face the most direct exposure to extreme weather, homelessness includes a much wider range of experiences. People living in temporary accommodation, sofa surfing or staying in insecure housing can also face significant challenges during periods of extreme heat.

The challenges we don’t always see

People sleeping rough are often exposed to the weather for much longer periods than the rest of the population.

They may spend hours sitting or lying on hot concrete. They may have limited access to shade, drinking water or cool indoor spaces. Some carry all of their belongings with them, making it difficult to move around or spend time indoors during the hottest parts of the day.

People already managing physical health conditions, mental health conditions or substance use may experience additional risks during periods of extreme heat.

• Dehydration can happen quickly.
• Heat exhaustion can develop without being immediately recognised.
• Some medications can affect how the body responds to heat.
• The effects of alcohol and other substances can be made worse by high temperatures.

These risks are not always visible, but they can have a significant impact on health and wellbeing.

Summer can make people less visible

People experiencing homelessness are not always easy to identify.

Public perceptions often focus on people bedding down in doorways overnight. The reality is more varied.

Some people move around throughout the day. Some spend time on public transport, in shopping centres or in other public spaces. Others move between temporary arrangements, trying to stay safe and avoid drawing attention to themselves.

During hot weather, people may change their routines further in response to the conditions.

At the same time, some outreach services report seeing rough sleeping increase during warmer months. Higher temperatures may make sleeping outside feel more manageable than during winter, but the risks remain.

The risks simply change.

Local organisations responding to extreme heat

Across the West Midlands, outreach teams, day centres, health services and community organisations continue to support people during periods of extreme weather.

This can include welfare checks, access to drinking water, sunscreen, information, indoor spaces and support to access accommodation where appropriate.

In Wolverhampton, outreach teams continue to check on people who are sleeping rough, providing welfare checks, water and sun protection. Additional accommodation can be made available during periods of extreme weather for people known to be sleeping rough.

In Walsall, outreach teams provide bottled water, sun cream, welfare checks and practical advice. People sleeping rough may also be encouraged to access The Glebe Centre, where they can find drinking water, washing facilities and indoor space away from the heat.

In Birmingham, organisations have adapted services during the current period of extreme heat. During SWEP activation, SIFA Fireside has made its Support Centre available as a shaded space during the day, while outreach teams and support services continue to carry out welfare checks and encourage people to access support where needed.

Local arrangements vary from place to place. The common focus is reducing immediate risks and helping people stay safe during periods of extreme weather.

How StreetLink can help

Members of the public will often encounter someone sleeping rough during periods of hot weather.

StreetLink provides a way for members of the public, businesses and organisations to connect people sleeping rough with local outreach services.

If you see someone sleeping rough, you can send an alert through StreetLink. The information is passed to local outreach teams who can check on the person, offer support and help them access services where appropriate.

StreetLink does not guarantee accommodation, but it can be an important route into contact with local support services.

During periods of extreme weather such as the one many areas are experiencing this week, these alerts can be especially valuable. Outreach teams are often carrying out additional welfare checks and can provide practical support such as water, sun protection and information about local services.

People may also choose to offer practical help where it feels appropriate and safe to do so. This could include offering a bottle of water, sharing information about local support services or helping someone find information about support available nearby. Street Support Network provides information about local services, including day centres, food provision, healthcare services and other community resources.

If someone appears seriously unwell because of the heat, is confused, unconscious or in immediate danger, call 999.

Support matters in every season

At Street Support Network, we focus on making support easier to find, understand and connect with.

Extreme weather highlights the relationship between housing stability, health, wellbeing and access to support.

The challenges people face may change throughout the year. The importance of local organisations, community networks and coordinated support remains constant.

As many parts of the country experience some of the hottest weather of the year so far, it is worth recognising that warm weather does not remove the risks associated with homelessness.

It changes the conditions in which those risks are experienced.

That is why organisations, communities and partnerships continue to provide support throughout the year.