County: Resources available for heat-related assistance
On July 1, Lee County Human & Veteran Services reminded residents that it will continue to partner with the Lee County Library System, LeeTran and United Way Resiliency Hubs to offer heat-related assistance to people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations this summer.
County library locations offer a cool respite during daytime temperature highs.
For a list of locations, as well as operating hours, visit www.leegov.com/library/branches.
United Way Resiliency Hubs are also available throughout the county for people seeking relief from the heat. Hubs typically open include FISH of Sanibel-Captiva, Goodwill Industries in Charleston Park, Literacy Council Gulf Coast in Bonita Springs, Goodwill Industries West Cape Coral, Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida — Palm Beach Boulevard, Community Cooperative, Franklin Park Elementary, The Heights Center, Pine Manor Improvement Association, Tice United Way Resiliency Hub at Goodwill Industries, Lehigh Community Services, and Beacon of Hope Pine Island.
The county’s Housing, Outreach and Treatment (HOT) teams will continue work throughout July as needed to connect with individuals experiencing homelessness to provide resources and distribute hot-weather supplies, including drinking water and cooling wraps.
Lee County Transit (LeeTran) periodically also may provide stand-by cooling buses, depending on bus availability and heat.
To keep up with heat-relief related services, individuals experiencing homelessness can download the free Lee County Human & Veteran Services’ (HVS) Reach app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. App users should sign up to receive push alerts to receive timely updates.
The county’s coordinated entry phone line is available to connect individuals to services and resources. Call 239-533-7996 or visit www.leegov.com/dhs.
Lee County Government encourages residents to watch for updates from the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/tbw/, as well as to monitor local meteorologists’ reports during summer months.