BOISE, ID (CBS2) — Across the Treasure Valley, cooling centers are opening as temperatures exceed the triple-digit mark with no sign of cooling in the near future.
But what is a cooling center? Besides providing seating, air-conditioning, and water, the definition largely depends on the host organization.
Buildings like Boise City Hall and the Boise Public Library are already open to the public, but during extreme weather, the city wants to remind residents that their doors are open to anyone during business hours that needs to cool off.
The City of Boise's efforts don't end there though, as they've partnered with the Treasure Valley YMCA to help fully cover membership costs for the unhoused, and those needing to use the YMCA for shelter.
"We partner with the city so that anyone that needs shelter, anyone who wants to come to the Y, can come in free of charge, and have their membership costs covered," Mike Kapuscinski, executive director of the Treasure Valley YMCA said. "We invite anyone who needs it to come to the Y-M-C-A, get cool, and enjoy all of our services and programs."
Extreme weather is particularly difficult on the unhoused population, and both the Boise Rescue Mission and Interfaith Sanctuary have opened cooling centers to help mitigate some of the risks.
"We're a resource for the unhoused population, we want them to stay cool and safe," Jacob Lang, senior director of operations for the Boise Rescue mission said. "We're open to anyone during the hours of operation for our cooling center, man, woman, child, whoever might be in the neighborhood and needs a break from the heat, come on in."
With no end in sight for triple-digit temperatures, organizers and cooling center hosts asked you to stay hydrated, listen to your body, and if you feel you're over-heating, seek shelter immediately.
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