Homeless Battle the Heat

myFOXaustin (AUSTIN) - It’s another dangerously hot day in Austin, especially for the homeless population. But one man is trying to bring them a little relief.

Richard Troxell, founder of House for the homeless, is on a mission to purchase 1,500 hats. The accessory is specially made with a flap in the back to provide extra shade to the homeless.

"It's been desert like. Here just recently," said Mark Huddle who said he's beating the heat by staying indoor at the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless, ARCH. "Thank god we've got this big building with some A/C. It's not big enough for everyone."

For all the others, the best place to beat the heat is under the shade at Wooldridge Square Park, a popular spot for some.

"This is obviously something new in Austin when were starting to hit these triple digits days, weeks in a row now," said Troxell. "This is serious. These temperatures are spiking up to 107-8. It's going to get worse."

So far, Austin has seen 25 days of triple digit temperatures. Saturday, the mercury reached 101 degrees. Some of the homeless population has found ways to benefit from the heat. Saturday, an unidentified homeless man showed FOX 7 how he cooks ramen noodles in a cup. He puts it out in the sun for 30 minutes, and the heat warms the water and cooks the noodles.

For the most part, non-profit and church groups send out mobile units to provide cold water and food several times a day. Troxell said it's important to help the homeless and prevent heat exhausting and dehydration. Otherwise, Austin could see a spike in emergency room visit, which end up costing taxpayers in the long run.
If you would like to donate to the house for homeless hat drive log onto houseforthehomeless.org