On Friday, June 28, United to End Homelessness, Macon-Bibb County, the Macon Homeless Coalition, Middle Georgia Community Food Bank, and other community organizations announced the expansion of hydration and cooling measures across the County.

“The weather we’ll see over the next week is going to be hot. We’re seeing over 100-degree weather for several hours over the next few days,” said Emergency Management Agency Director Spencer Hawkins. “My message to you is to stay hydrated, in cool shaded areas as much as possible. And please check on those most vulnerable in your neighborhood.”

In an effort to keep everyone in our community safe, including those who are experiencing homelessness, the County and partnering agencies have teamed up to open more hydration stations, in addition to the cooling stations available.

“Our providers offer responsive care for our county’s most vulnerable. These emerging measures will provide shelter from extreme heat and hydration for those most vulnerable to heat exhaustion and stroke,” says United to End Homelessness Executive Director, Dr. Jake Hall. “Collaboration made this possible, as many community organizations have come together to create a reservoir of resources for this sweltering season. We are thankful for the generosity of our nonprofits and the swift action of Macon-Bibb, only by uniting around a shared strategy may we truly act for the common good.”

In addition to our first-touch facilities like Daybreak, Salvation Army, and Hello House, people can access all Recreation Centers, as a way to keep cool. Now, thanks to a generous donation from the Food Bank, people can access free water bottles at Frank Johnson Recreation Center (2227 Mercer University Drive), Rosa Jackson Recreation Center (1211 Maynard Street), Memorial Park Recreation Center (2465 Second Street), and L.H. Williams Recreation Center (325 Pursley Street).

United to End Homelessness is also going into encampments and passing out water, as well as spreading the word to get people into the cooling stations.

While the Food Bank has donated hundreds of water bottles, there is still a need for more donations. If you would like to donate, you can drop cases of water bottles, sport drinks, and cooling towels at Depaul USA Daybreak (174 Walnut Street).

“We’re working together to ensure all public resources and all of our non-profits are united in this work,” said United to End Homelessness Executive Director Dr. Jake Hall.

“Only by uniting together as a community can we address the most complex problems we have,” said Dr. Hall.

You can also get tips on how to stay safe in the heat and find cooling/hydration stations on the MBCAlert app.