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ORLANDO, Fla. – Summer in Central Florida is rarely a comfortable experience, but this weekend is expected to be oppressive.
News 6 meteorologists are expecting temperatures in the high 90s, with feels-like temperatures stretching into the triple digits, similar to what we experienced last weekend.
For people living on the street, there are few places to escape the heat.
That’s why organizations that help people experiencing homelessness are looking for supplies.
Here’s how you can help.
[RELATED: Stories about homelessness in Central Florida]
Clothes and shoes
Living on the street takes a toll on clothing, but according to Eric Gray, executive director of the Christian Service Center in Orlando, people who are homeless go through clothes and shoes faster, and the materials break down.
The Christian Service Center and SALT Outreach, which have locations throughout Central Florida, both accept clothing donations at their facilities. They especially need clothes in smaller sizes.
The Christian Service Center has a cooling center seven days a week to help people get out of the sun, as well as ways to get showers and clean clothes.
The WASH Foundation is another organization that accepts clothing donations. The group’s mobile shower trucks are stationed at different locations throughout the week. On Wednesdays, the truck is parked behind the Downtown Orlando branch library.
Summer survival kits
Christian Service Center, Samaritan Resource Center, Matthew’s Hope, Neighborhood Fridge, and other groups are also seeking items for summer survival kits.
These items include:
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Umbrellas
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Hats
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Sunscreen
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Flip flops
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Electrolyte Packets
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Insulated cups/bottles
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Cooling towels
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Lip balm
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Ponchos
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Insect repellent
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Instant cold packs
Food and drinks
Fruit helps keep people hydrated and replenishes electrolytes.
This week, Matthew’s Hope, which has locations in Winter Garden and in Brevard County, put out a call for fresh fruit, single-serve canned fruit, and fruit cups.
Powdered drink mixes are also on Matthew’s Hope’s wish list, as they help people drink more water.
Samaritan Resource Center is also asking for SOS emergency drinking water.
Gray told News 6 last month that many of the homeless groups in Central Florida are in need of food because the heat causes people to burn calories faster, making the need for food donations greater.
Where to donate or volunteer
Check with the groups below ahead of time to see what they need immediately and where you can drop off items. You can also ask about volunteer opportunities.
Christian Service Center: 808 W. Central Boulevard, Orlando
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Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to noon
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Donations can be dropped off at the Downtown Orlando campus.
Matthew’s Hope: Locations in Winter Garden and Cocoa.
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Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday until noon, or by appointment
Neighborhood Fridge: Local service group that distributes food and runs community fridges and pantries where people can donate food and get food for free. Reach out to the group on Instagram or Facebook to help.
SALT Outreach: Locations in Orlando, Apopka, Bithlo, Sanford, Leesburg and more.
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People with donation questions can email genesis@saltoutreach.org.
Samaritan Resource Center: Locations in east Orange County
The WASH Foundation: Locations throughout Orange County.
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