Fresno shelter runs low on water supply, asks for donations

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Homeless in Fresno are doing anything possible to stay cool in the heat, and local shelters are running low on water supply.

Finding water and shade is crucial as the valley continues to experience triple-digit temperatures.

For Cathy, who is currently unhoused, these tasks aren’t always easy, but she has ways of staying cool.

“I make sure that my head’s wet all the time. And if I have extra water, I’ll give people water and tell them to always wet their heads, because that’s where the heat comes from. The main, the main part of our bodies. So when I notice, when I keep my head wet, I stay cooler, you know, and I just try to stay in the shade and just survive,” Cathy said.

Poverello House, a local homeless shelter gives people the resources they need.

“They give us cold water. You know, like they give us a place, you know, with shade. They give us like pretty good food,” said Robert, who is currently unhoused.

Zack Darrah, the CEO of Poverello House says they are handing out 1,500 water bottles a day.

“Right now, it’s just important to keep people hydrated. And when you’re out in the streets, you might need way more than four or five, six. You’re talking about 10, 15 bottles of water a day just to stay hydrated in this heat,” Darrah said.

As temperatures rise, Darrah says the shelter faces challenges in providing people with enough water.

“We need the community’s help with bottled water. Like I said, 1,500 bottles a day, A pallet of water goes very, very fast. That doesn’t even last four days,” Darrah said.

Officials say to call 911 if you see someone on the street who looks like they may be passing out from heat exhaustion.

If you would like to make a water donation, click here .

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