High temperatures threaten the homeless in Soledad

SOLEDAD, Calif. (KION-TV): Many people in the Central Coast can escape and stay cool from the high temperatures, but its a different story for the homeless community in Soledad.

Sally Serna has been living in a homeless encampment in Soledad for three years and she said it's been hard trying to beat the heat without shelter.

"I have a generator and a fan," said Serna. "A lot of people down here have generators and they're running."

A report from California Healthline said the homeless community are the most vulnerable during the heatwaves. Serna said she's taking steps to keep cool.

"Tents cover with extra tarps and the city has provided us with tarps," said Serna.

The City of Soledad said they're distributing water and ice cream to the homeless twice a day and they plan on doing it for the rest of the week. Elena Esquivias also lives at the encampment and said the heat isn't good for her asthma.

"I feel like I can't breathe," said Esquivias. "It get's really bad, I don't like it when people get sick."

Esquivas said she has a fan and she tries to stay in the shade. Despite their struggles, Serna says people in the community have stepped up to help by dropping off water.

"For them to be considering us or anything is really good." said Serna.

The City of Soledad said if the temperature exceeds more than 95 degrees on Saturday, they will keep the cooling center on Walker Drive open. Service dogs are allowed also.