It’s about that time of year where we unofficially become Cool Down Boston! Fighting the heat is extra hard for folks who live outside like our neighbors at the encampment. Lack of access to things like drinking water, air conditioning, and refrigerators adds extra challenges to basic survival needs like nutrition, hydration, and staying cool enough. Additionally, sweeps generally increase in the summer leading to belongings getting confiscated or damaged and making it harder to meet basic needs.

During the summer, we add ice to our usual distro goods and try our best to give extra water. We’ve also increased the number of meals and other supplies in recent weeks to try to meet increased needs. Unfortunately, this is all somewhat limited by a general drop in donations, both monetarily and in supplies provided by other community groups.

This morning we responded to a sweep that residents were told would be tomorrow, and we are in the process of trying to replace things like tents, tarps, and bedding. Stay tuned for a more detailed update.

If you’d like to help your unhoused neighbors beat the heat during this upcoming heat wave and the next, please use the link in our bio to become a regular donor!

#SweepsAreViolence #EncampmentSupport #MutualAidBoston #WarmUpBoston #FuckTheTentBan