Heat Wave Threatens Unhoused During July 4 | Charlottesville News

Record-breaking heat is slamming into the Fourth of July weekend, with temps hitting 104 degrees — and the unhoused are bearing the brunt. Cooling centers are open at Key Rec Center, Tonsler Rec Center, Central Library, and The Haven, as organizations urge everyone to seek shelter. Living outdoors is already perilous, with flash floods and wildlife risks, now made deadly by extreme heat. A recent fire at the Free Bridge encampment and past deaths highlight the urgency. Officials are launching a July headcount to better understand outdoor populations, eyeing a Holiday Drive property for temporary shelter — though it’s not ready yet. Plans for a permanent shelter are underway, with state funding eyed to expand Salvation Army capacity, all while balancing outreach with privacy. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/938c66d2cde6aeb5