DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) — A heatwave can be life-threatening, especially to a population of people who unfortunately must live outdoors in the city of Decatur.
With limited cooling centers set to extend the hours for the homeless, the Tennessee Valley Outreach (TVO) ministry is concerned that some of the unhoused population might not be able to access that kind of relief.
The number of unhoused people and families in the city of Decatur continues to grow, but the number of shelters to assist has not.
Earlier this week, Hands Across Decatur homeless shelter announced they will be closed until August, which leaves TVO as the only shelter in the community.
Director Matthew Richards said the community staple has been around for nearly 50 years, and he knows firsthand that help is needed for those living outdoors during an extended heatwave.
“Triple-digit temperatures are dangerous to someone’s health,” Richards said. “We don’t want anyone to be out in the streets and we invite them to come in here and cool off.”
The outreach is one of two known to exist in Decatur. It currently houses up to 15 individuals, but Richards told News 19 that they would like to expand as Decatur city leaders do very little to help the unhoused population
“That’s been my dream and my prayer to be able to do that to provide more services to the homeless in the city to get them off of the street,” Richards explained. “I don’t know the inner works or the budget of the city or any types of things of that nature, but I know that it’s important to take care of all of the citizens in your city both housed and unhoused.”
The Tennessee Valley Outreach needs donations of food, water and monetary donations. You can find where to donate here.
