The heat wave that is hitting southern Quebec is hitting homeless people hard, overexposed and with little support.

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For the organizations that come to their aid, the pressure is enormous, as the temperature rises to 40 degrees with the Humidex factor.

"People should stay inside as much as possible, and look for places where they are not on the street, because it can become dangerous," warned Sam Watts, president and CEO of the Bon-Accueil Mission.

The reception centers are also taken by storm, and become vital refuges. "It's very busy right now, and it's like that all year round, during very cold weather and heavy rains," said James Hughes, president and CEO of the Old Brewery Mission, before add that "fortunately, we are there for them".

sticks in the wheels

Despite the aid, the life of these people who live on the streets is not made easier by the institutions. "The homeless person in Montreal, he can't go to cool off, because all the guards are taking us out," said a man on the street indignantly.

Public furniture such as drinking troughs and misters are also often faulty, which makes access to water even more complex.