Rescue Outreach Mission Needs Your Help During Unbearable Heat

Sanford, Fla. (July 11, 2023) – All of us in Seminole County know it's hot out – one of the hottest summers many of us remember.
Now, imagine trying to endure the stifling heat indexes reaching 108 degrees without air conditioning and easy access to water.
That’s what thousands of men, women and children without permanent housing are living through this summer in our community. In some cases, the heat can be deadly.
Earlier this month, Rescue Outreach Mission, Seminole County’s only emergency homeless shelter, worked with the county’s emergency management department to help find ways to ensure those vulnerable people could find relief.
“For too many people in our community, this is an incredibly serious issue that I don’t believe anyone should have to suffer through,” says Chris Ham, executive director, Rescue Outreach Mission of Central Florida. “Thankfully, our county was proactive, but this is a long-term issue we all must find ways to address as homelessness is only getting worse.”
To help accommodate those in need, Rescue Outreach Mission set up a cooling station in its parking lot with water, shade and chairs. It allowed guests to stay indoors throughout the day and managed to offer temporary housing as it does during hurricane situations.
In addition to its efforts, Ham focused on what the community can do during the heat to help others in the community. For instance, have a cooler of water to hand out to people on the streets to try and keep those individuals hydrated.
Plus, Rescue Outreach Mission needed an increase in donations to help offset higher electrical bills trying to keep its guests cool.
“Every little bit helps our organization provide temporary relief for people who have very few places to turn,” Ham says. “Keep in mind, it’s a multigenerational issue we’re facing. During this heatwave we had nearly two dozen children staying as our guests.”
The plans were featured on multiple news stations, giving significant exposure to the issues facing individuals. You can watch the segments on the Rescue Outreach Mission Youtube Channel found here.  
To make a donation to help a family or individual in need in your neighborhood, please click here.                                                                             
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For more information, please reach out to Alan Byrd, Alan Byrd & Associates, 407-415-8470, Alan@ByrdConnections.com
About Rescue Outreach Mission:  In 1986, Mother Blanche Bell Weaver, Pastor of the Rescue Church of God, saw desperate people in her community living without basic essentials. With the support of her church and members, she was determined to help those in need. She founded the Rescue Outreach Mission to provide safety, support and a healing environment for her community.
Located across from the Rescue Church of God in Sanford, Rescue Outreach Mission remains true to her mission by serving disadvantaged people throughout Central Florida by providing resources that help prevent homelessness and assisting those who are homeless to become self-sufficient.
To learn more about Rescue Outreach Mission, please visit our website.