Urgent Report! Heat Wave Impacts Poor Families and Non-Profits
The 30 plus day heat wave is taking its greatest toll on senior citizens and young children especially in poor communities. The triple-digit heat wave has already claimed over nine lives in the area, and threatens many more in poor families living without air conditioning.
The weather has also impacted local non-profits with excessive electrical bills. "Our electrical bills are running twice the normal costs." said Pat Stephens, director of the West Dallas Westmoreland Heights Neighborhood Association. Stephens, whose center helps 150 families weekly, and runs programs for seniors and young children said: "These high costs are hurting our feeding program to families in need."
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for this week. "We want Dallas County residents to take it seriously," said Zachary Thompson, director of Dallas County Health and Human Services. He warned area residents to not leave children or pets in cars, and to check on your neighbors, in a recent Dallas Morning News article.
Forecasters expect the heat index to be even higher, around 110, and overnight temperatures will dip only into the 80s.The county health department has been working to find and assist families without air-conditioning units and to offer safety tips.
Churches are being asked to inform their members and neighbors about the public facilities that are open for families to get relief. The following organizations have air conditioned sites open for the public:
All neighborhood recreation centers in Dallas, which are air-conditioned, are open to the public for free.
1. For a list of all 47 Dallas area parks and recreation centers and their location by area, click here.
2. The Salvation Army also operates "cooling stations" at each of its Dallas-area shelters, click here.
3. Reliant Energy is sponsoring two "Beat the Heat" centers, one at the MLK Community Center and the other at the West Dallas Multipurpose Center. You may give to our GDJR "Urgent Need" fund that will assist organizations like Westmoreland Heights Neighborhood Association, and families as funds exist.
