Leeds homeless charity founder speaks out about heat risks

Louise Reed created Focus4Hope as a community organisation but became a registered charity so it could respond to increased demand.

It offers a range of services to help people avoid crisis point, including food distribution, advice and guidance, and a low-cost food market. But in cases like extreme weather, crisis can become inevitable.

Louise said: “Heatwaves are deadly for rough sleepers, who face direct sun exposure, reduced access to water, and fewer safe place to cool down.

"Many take medications that make the heat even more dangerous.

"I have a team of seven who’ve delivered 2,700 bottles of water across West Yorkshire in the last two and a half days.”

The charity has also sourced extra hats and food for its Leeds outreach on Friday, where it usually feeds over 130 people.

Additional challenges for homeless people include tents and sleeping pods becoming dangerously overheated, the impact of sleeping on hot surfaces such as tarmac, and heat exhaustion from having to carry their belongings at all times to prevent theft.

Focus4Hope continue to campaign for better access to shade, water, cooling spaces, and consistent emergency support. But the need for practical support is ever-present.

That’s why the charity is asking people to donate via Focus4Hope.co.uk, or take items such as sunscreen, water, and hats to its Brighouse HQ, or either of its partner venues:

• 12 Huddersfield Road, Brighouse, HD6 1JZ

• St Anne’s Resource Centre, 66 York St, Leeds LS9 8AA

• St George's Crypt, Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3BR

Louise added: “Data shows that rough sleeping in England almost 100 per cent higher than in 2021, and the harsh reality is that heat-related deaths are higher among homeless people.

"Like extreme cold spells, heatwaves expose inequalities around who can stay safe and who can't. It’s heart-breaking to see it first-hand and we’re here to help where we can.”