As Milan faces one of the first heat waves of the summer, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees, Opera Cardinal Ferrari renews its commitment to supporting homeless people and the most vulnerable citizens, strengthening reception and assistance services to deal with an emergency that can seriously put the health and lives of those living on the streets at risk.
If the cold has always been one of the main threats for homeless people, too extreme heat can have very serious consequences. Dehydration, heat stroke, worsening of chronic pathologies and social isolation particularly affect those who do not have a home, refrigerated places or a support network.
For this reason Opera Cardinal Ferrari has intensified its activities guaranteeing the continuous opening of the air-conditioned spaces, starting from the seating area, which represents a point of refreshment and relief during the hottest hours of the day. The Opera’s medical point is also active to monitor the most delicate situations and offer assistance to people most exposed to the risks linked to high temperatures. At the same time, the distribution activities of light clothing, towels, personal hygiene products and everything necessary to allow the people welcomed to face the hottest days in conditions of greater safety and dignity were strengthened.
«Extreme temperatures represent a real threat to those who live on the streets» declares the President of Opera Cardinal Ferrari Luciano Gualzetti. «Many people do not have access to fresh places, water or healthcare. This is why it is essential that the entire city mobilizes so as not to leave the most vulnerable alone. Even a small gesture, a report or concrete help can make the difference.”
To protect guests and users of the Opera, some activities normally carried out outside have also been temporarily suspended or remodulated, favoring air-conditioned and safer internal environments.
Opera Cardinal Ferrari also appeals to citizens to pay attention to the people in difficulty they encounter on the street, reporting any emergency situations and supporting the organizations that operate in the area every day.
«No one should face extreme heat alone» concludes Gualzetti. «In moments like these, solidarity becomes a concrete tool for protecting life.”
