PORTLAND, Maine — While a lot of people enjoy the summer heat, it can be dangerous for those who do not have a safe place to live.
Homeless Voices for Justice is raising awareness of the dangers that Mother Nature can pose to people experiencing homelessness.
HVJ hosted the 17th annual Longest Day of Homelessness Sit-Out at Tommy's Park in Portland.
"If you're unhoused, it doesn't cool off if there's no place to cool off, and these days, it's very dangerous to have that happen," Cheryl Harkins, HVJ lived experience advocate, said.
Harkins was homeless for a time herself. The event featured speakers who wanted to stress how dangerous the weather can be for the unhoused.
"Whether people believe in climate change or not, it's here, and it's not going away, and people need protection from these harsh winters and summer months," Harkins said.
Advocates for the unhoused also took to the mic.
"When it's 90 degrees one day and 60 degrees and raining the next, it's still a challenge and a physical danger to be outside," Pastor Jeff Logan with Grace-Street Ministry said.
Those who spoke at the event stressed the importance of shelters and affordable housing.
"What we don't do is turn down more affordable housing; what we don't do is take away funding from our shelters," Arborid said.
The people who spoke shared the sentiment that the work to support the unhoused is far from done.
"I'd like to leave you with the words of Frederick Douglas: 'I've prayed for 20 years but received no answer until I prayed with my legs. So let's keep on walking, we've got miles to go before we sleep,'" Logan said.