CHICO — With excessive temperatures on the rise, Safe Space launched its annual cooling center on Monday.
The center was introduced to the community in 2021. The nonprofit organization was looking to help individuals who were lacking air conditioning spaces or water.
Safe Space’s director Rick Narad said the most important thing the organization provides to individuals is air conditioning.
“It’s really important to know that more people die from high heat than from any other weather-related incident in the country,” Narad said. “And the number of deaths from around the country is crazy.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that around 1,220 people in the U.S. die annually from extreme heat.
The CDC also reports that specific factors may increase the possibility of experiencing a heat-related illness, including:
• Obesity
• Dehydration
• Mental illness
• Heart disease
• Alcohol use
Besides the A/C, ice, water and occasional donated food are given out.
Additionally, Narad said, “There’s no barriers of any kind.” No drug or alcohol testing is required to access the services.
Kimberly Titman was in attendance with her two dogs on Monday
Experiencing homelessness, she appreciates those who push to help the unhoused community without judgment.
“Everyone has a story,” Titman said.
Titman recognized that many individuals fear opening up but she described the cooling center as a wonderful place to go to.
“They’ve done a lot for people, and they have good hearts,” Titman said. “They need a place to have their own offices and stuff. I’m hoping that the city will help them get into a place because they deserve it.”
The cooling center will be available to from 2 to 8 p.m., from July 1-13 at the Faith Lutheran Church at 667 E. First Ave.
Besides the cooling center, Safe Space has also provided overnight winter shelters since 2013.
“So by opening up during the winter, or during the summer, rather, we hope that we’re saving lives just by giving people a chance to cool down,” Narad said.
Shelter Operations Coordinator Quin Troester expressed appreciation for those who attend the cooling center and of those who help organize it.
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“I’m really happy to see that members of the community stepped up to provide a space for people to stay,” Troester said.
However, losing the main office after not being able to renew their lease has been a challenge among the Safe Space team.
Troester said the worry of not having drop-in hours and relying on “word of mouth” has limited their ability to serve the community.
“We just hope people will come in,” Narad said. “That they recognize the danger of being outside when it’s hot.”
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