The dangerously hot temperatures gripping the Peoria area this week are driving increased need at a Peoria emergency shelter.
Kristy Schofield is the director of homeless and housing at Dream Center Peoria. She said the center is operating near its capacity as unhoused families look for a place to sleep away from the heat.
“Last night, I think we had 115 people and 32 of those who are children,” she said. “We had 26 people come in yesterday, just for our day services. To cool down, or eat lunch or dinner and do some laundry. So we have been really busy.”
Schofield said this isn’t quite the busiest the Dream Center has been this summer, with some nights in July going over capacity — as many as 145 people.
“We had gone down, we were in the 80s, we were leveling off,” Schofield said. “And then as soon as the heat hit, we took a spike.”
In addition to a place to sleep, Dream Center provides the unhoused with water to stay hydrated in the brutal temperatures. In order to accommodate as many people as possible, Schofield said workers bring cots onto a floor usually intended as a dining and living space.
The Dream Center serves all unhoused populations except for single adult men. However, the agency will help them find shelter and cooling at Peoria Rescue Ministries or the Salvation Army.
If you’re unable to get to any of these resources, or the nearest fire or police department, Schofield recommends contacting the 211 emergency helpline.
You can find a list of Peoria area cooling centers here.
