As summer temperatures rise, the hot days can be uncomfortable and even dangerous for those experiencing homelessness.
When Boise’s day shelters close for the weekend, the Pioneer Community Center offers a place for families to cool off. The center is open this weekend as temperatures are expected to scorch the Treasure Valley.
Marie Hattaway works for Parks and Recreation and runs the weekend cooling shelter downtown.
“Our job is to fill in the gaps where the community isn’t able to meet them," she says.
The shelter only caters to families with children because of space issues. There are games, movies and other activities to keep the little ones occupied.
“It’s really making sure we put the parents at ease, and give the kids something fun to do throughout the day, at the hottest point of the day,” Hattaway says. “It’s kind, it’s the right thing to do for these families when they’re the most vulnerable.”
The shelter is open 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer when temperatures flare up.
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