BECKLEY, WV – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more people die from heat exposure than from tornadoes and hurricanes combined. Those spending extended periods outdoors are particularly at risk.
On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, numerous individuals in downtown Beckley faced the scorching heat. People were seen lying, sitting, or standing in Jim Word Memorial Park and Shoemaker Square, or walking for hours along the downtown streets.
Beckley Common Councilwoman Natalie Coots (Ward 1) highlighted the urgent need for a day shelter. Such a facility would offer those with insecure housing a place to store belongings in lockers, escape the elements, and access food and rest.
Coots distributed bottled water in downtown Beckley on Tuesday, funded by the Raleigh County Prevention Coalition.
Helmondollar, one of the affected individuals, shared that he and his girlfriend were recently evicted from an apartment complex on Hargrove Street, leaving them homeless.
“They gave us a notice saying we had to be out by 7:30 in the morning within a couple of days, with no heads-up, no nothing,” Helmondollar alleged. “So my girlfriend and I had to find a hotel on Harper Road.”
Robert Curry, who often sits on a park bench at Shoemaker Square, mentioned he has a house but no air conditioning.
He noted that some others at the square are homeless. As a Boston Red Sox fan, Curry said he stays hydrated during the tropical heat wave affecting the region.
“On the first day, I went to the store, got a cold drink, and cooled off,” Curry shared.
Rubby Cordelia is a finance journalist for WVPrepBB.com, bringing expertise and clarity to her reporting on financial news. With a passion for demystifying complex economic issues, Rubby delivers insightful analysis and up-to-date information on the latest market trends, financial policies, and economic developments. Her work on WVPrepBB.com is essential reading for anyone looking to stay informed about the ever-changing world of finance.
