PHOENIX —Stefon James Dewitt Livengood, a homeless man in metro Phoenix, struggles to survive the intense heat, with temperatures soaring past 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 degrees Celsius) every day this month. Living in a makeshift dwelling, Livengood battles heat exhaustion and the scorching asphalt that threatens to burn his skin.
Despite visiting a free clinic for help, he receives no medical assistance for his heat-related issues. As one of many homeless individuals at risk during this record-breaking heatwave, Livengood's story sheds light on the plight of vulnerable populations in extreme weather conditions.
The unrelenting heat has made life precarious for those living outside in Phoenix. Homeless people, in particular, face constant exposure to the scorching temperatures and are vulnerable to severe surface burns from contact with hot surfaces like metal, concrete, and asphalt.
The Arizona Burn Center–Valleywise Health reports a rise in cases of heat-related surface burns, with some reaching 180 degrees Fahrenheit (82.2 degrees Celsius). The lack of air conditioning or fans in flimsy structures exacerbates the challenges for these individuals to cool down at night.
Unhoused people accounted for 40% of the heat-associated deaths in Maricopa County last year, the hottest summer on record. With temperatures remaining high overnight, cooling down becomes a challenge for those living in makeshift shelters. Health professionals emphasize the importance of access to water and cooling systems to prevent heat-related illnesses and fatalities.
As the city experiences its longest streak of consecutive days of 110 Fahrenheit (43.3 Celsius), homeless individuals like Livengood seek relief from community organizations offering water, shade, and even air-conditioned buses.
Livengood's life has been marked by adversity, trauma, and neglect. Having experienced a tumultuous childhood in public housing, he faced challenges as he was adopted and later lost his adoptive mother.
Now back in Phoenix, Livengood relies on the support of local organizations to survive the extreme heat. Amidst the scorching conditions, he sends a message of caution and survival to others: stay hydrated and drink plenty of water to endure the unrelenting heat.