Focus4Hope was originally created as a community organisation but became a registered charity so it could respond to increased demand. It offers a range of services to help people avoid crisis points, including food distribution, advice and guidance, and a low-cost food market. But in extreme weather, crisis can become inevitable.

Louise says: “Heatwaves are deadly for rough sleepers, who face direct sun exposure, reduced access to water, and fewer safe places to cool down. Many take medications that make the heat even more dangerous. I have a team of seven who’ve delivered 2,700 bottles of water across West Yorkshire in the last two and a half days."

The charity has also sourced extra hats and food for its Leeds outreach on Friday, where it usually feeds over 130 people.

Additional challenges for homeless people include tents and sleeping pods becoming dangerously overheated, the impact of sleeping on hot surfaces such as tarmac, and heat exhaustion from having to carry their belongings at all times to prevent theft.

Focus4Hope continues to campaign for better access to shade, water, cooling spaces, and consistent emergency support. But the need for practical support is ever-present. That’s why the charity is asking people to donate via Focus4Hope.co.uk or take items such as sunscreen, water, and hats to its Brighouse HQ or either of its partner venues:

12 Huddersfield Road, Brighouse, HD6 1JZ
St Anne’s Resource Centre, 66 York St, Leeds LS9 8AA
St George's Crypt, Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3BR

Louise concludes: “Data shows that rough sleeping in England is almost 100% higher than in 2021, and the harsh reality is that heat-related deaths are higher among homeless people. Like extreme cold spells, heatwaves expose inequalities around who can stay safe and who can't. It’s heart-breaking to see it first-hand, and we’re here to help where we can."