Portland-area groups prepare to help unhoused people stay safe, cool in heat wave [Video]

PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) – As the Portland metro area prepares for temperatures in the triple digits, local organizations are doing their part to make sure the houseless community has the resources they need, including access to cooling shelters.

Volunteers with the Union Gospel Mission make their rounds to different camps almost on a nightly basis, asking folks what resources they can assist them with. Their efforts day in and day out are crucial but ahead of the upcoming heatwave, those nightly rounds become even more important.

“We’re watching, we’re concerned for our neighbors on the street. We want to find them ways to get inside,” said UGM’s executive director Matt Stein, who said he believes getting people off the street during extreme weather is one of the only ways to ensure their survival

“It can actually mean life or death or significant health problems,” Stein said. “There’s not that many …