More Humane thoughts needed when exposing the homeless to the elements💔☠️ … MY FIVE TOP REASONS 💔
1. Exposure to moisture: Wet slushy rain poses a higher risk of exposure to moisture for the homeless compared to hard snow and cold. The slushy rain can seep through clothing and blankets, leading to wetness that is difficult to escape from. This moisture can cause hypothermia and exacerbate existing health conditions.
2. Lack of adequate shelter: Finding suitable shelter during wet slushy rain can be particularly challenging for the homeless. While hard snow may provide some insulation, wet slushy rain can quickly penetrate makeshift shelters and make them uninhabitable. This lack of protection can lead to increased discomfort and health risks.
3. Difficulty in staying dry: Staying dry becomes much more challenging in wet slushy rain as compared to hard snow and cold. Snow can often be brushed off or shaken off, but slushy rain saturates everything it comes into contact with, making it difficult for the homeless to keep their belongings, clothing, and bedding dry.
4. Health hazards: Wet slushy rain increases the risk of health hazards such as trench foot, frostbite, and respiratory illnesses. The prolonged exposure to damp conditions can lead to skin problems and other health issues, making it harder for the homeless to maintain their health and well-being.
5. Access to resources: During wet slushy rain, access to resources such as dry clothing, warm blankets, and hot meals becomes even more limited. As Many shelters CLOSE AND DON’T accommodate everyone seeking refuge from the rain, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the homeless population.
In summary, wet slushy rain presents unique challenges for the homeless population, including increased exposure to moisture, difficulty in finding adequate shelter, staying dry, health hazards, and limited access to essential resources. These factors collectively contribute to the heightened difficulty of surviving wet slushy rain compared to hard snow and cold.
We need to change the definition of what “extreme weather” means in British Columbia on Vancouver Island… this current weather is more extreme than the cold.
Robin Campbell
Manna Homeless Society