MCCAC to Offer Cooling Kits During Extreme Temperatures
June 28th 2023
The Dalles, Oregon (June 28, 2023) - As summer temperatures begin to rise, Community Action Agencies in the Gorge are preparing to assist people in need of combating life-threatening weather conditions with individual Cooling Kits delivered by Houseless Outreach Coordinators.
This year, Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) in Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman counties and Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) in Skamania and Klickitat counties are changing tactics to help more people stay safe during extreme heat events.
“Our experience has shown us that during extremely hot weather conditions, people hunker down and do not go to cooling shelters that were being staffed,” said Leslie Naramore, Exec director or WAGAP. “We are pivoting to use our resources more responsibly and assist people to remain safe where they are.”
MCCAC will have outreach coordinators operating in Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman counties who will distribute kits to houseless individuals and families. Coordinators will also focus on the elderly as well as farm and other outdoor workers whose jobs potentially put them at risk during extreme weather conditions. WAGAP will coordinate similar outreach efforts during severe heat events in Skamania and Klickitat counties
Kits will be staged throughout the area at local MCCAC offices, WAGAP offices, and Second Hand Rose, WAGAP’s community thrift store in Bingen. They can be picked up during office hours. Additionally, the teams are working now to coordinate with other community organizations, such as libraries, churches, and fire departments, to make kits available at even more sites.
The cooling kits may vary as supplies last but they typically include essential items such as water, Gatorade, sunscreen, chapstick, hand sanitizer. Some additional information will be provided to help explain what to do during a heat emergency, along with emergency contact information.
In the case of extreme life-threatening conditions where temperatures are not projected to subside overnight or there is an unhealthy air quality advisory, residents in need should reach out to MCCAC at (541) 298-5131 or WAGAP at (509) 493-2662 during business hours so staff can evaluate each situation and appropriately assist the individual.
