Fayetteville’s cooling centers have recorded 543 visits since July 28, offering people a place to escape the heat, access supplies and keep pets cool.
Cooling Center Services
The city’s cooling centers provide water, electrolytes, snacks, and hygiene products. No registration or advance sign-up is required. Guests can also bring their pets, with a limited number of kennels available outside in a shaded area.
Misty Ratton, who has been homeless since 2009, said recent summers have been harder to navigate. ‘Recent summers have gotten hotter, and I’ve seen some of my homeless family have to go to the hospital after passing out,’ Ratton said.
Another guest, Xavier Ruppert, has been homeless for almost 11 years. He said the center provides a place to cool down and get food and drinks. ‘It’s a lot cooler inside here. I do have the option to eat and drink,’ Ruppert said.
Donations Accepted
The city is also accepting donations of electrolyte packets, whole fruit, individually wrapped shelf-stable snacks, pet treats, and reusable water bottles. Donations can be dropped off at Fayetteville City Hall in the Housing and Community Services lobby.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
