By Mervyn Myers | Development Director
During the past month the DC Government has activated the DISTRICT HEAT EMERGENCY PLAN almost every day. The Heat Wave has placed the DC Homeless at risk of heat related illness and death caused by prolonged exposure to oppressive heat with temperatures above 95 degrees (factoring in the heat index). The DC Government has opened “hyperthermia shelters” as cooling centers for individuals or families who are homeless and cannot access other shelter. The shelters provide food, clothing, access to toilet facilities, water and cool respite from the sweltering heat outdoors..See attached article 5 DC Heat Waves that were really bad.
UPO’s Shelter Hotline has been extremely busy transporting the DC Homeless to cooling centers and assisting those who are out on the street by providing an array of comfort items: water, cool beverages, food trays suitable clothing and protective gear that we have available for distribution through the generosity of your donations. See attached photographs of Shelter Hotline out in support of DC Homeless during the Heat Emergency.
Life on the street and in homeless shelters is tough for the DC Homeless. However the strength of human determination is something that we all share. We were deeply inspired by the story which was reported on NEWS4 on June 22nd about Destyni Tyree just 16, who has graduated the top of her class and is headed to college on a full scholarship. She has a 4.0 grade point average. She's been a cheerleader and been prom queen. She achieved it all while living in DC's largest homeless shelter. UPO is planning to make arrangements to assist her with cost of textbooks.
UPO’s Mission is Uniting People with Opportunities, helping them on a path to self-sufficiency. With your generous support we have now raised $11,543 to Help the DC Homeless. We need to raise an additional $457 to reach our Project Goal of $12,000.If every one of our Project Supporters contributes an additional $5.00 we will reach and exceed our Goal. Let’s all pitch in to honor the incredible achievement of Destyni Tyree! We wish her a bright future and much continuous success.
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