Organizations offer compassion along with relief from scorching temperatures

As extreme heat grips the Omaha area, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha (SSVP) is offering a respite from the soaring temperatures in its community room.

The community room is located at the Holy Family Community Center, 1715 Izard St. in Omaha. Open from noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, it provides visitors a place to cool down, along with the assurance that their safety and well-being matter.

Executive director Jill Lynch-Sosa said the organization has extra water, ice and popsicles on hand for its unhoused neighbors. Staff also closely monitor guests for signs of heat exhaustion and connect them with additional assistance, if needed.

“Extreme heat can quickly become life-threatening for our neighbors who have nowhere to go, which is why opening our doors is one of the most important things we do,” she said. “Every bottle of water, every cool place to rest, and every act of compassion reminds our neighbors that they are seen, welcomed, and not forgotten.”

The community room does not call itself a “cooling center” since it only has window air-conditioners, Lynch-Sosa said, but its doors are open to anyone. When demand is high, especially on days of dangerous heat, additional common areas are opened to ensure everyone has a safe place to escape the heat.

Another option for individuals experiencing homelessness is the cooling center at the Siena Francis House, 1401 N. 18th St. in Omaha. The cooling center is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on days when extreme weather is forecast.

In addition to a place to escape the heat and rehydrate, the cooling center offers care packages that include bottled water, sunscreen, lip balm and aloe vera gel for sunburn. These care packages are subject to availability.

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