As D.C. faces extreme heat this summer, the most vulnerable in the city, including those experiencing homelessness, are at greater risk.
The first heat alert for the summer of 2025 was activated by Mayor Muriel Bowser on June 18, followed by extreme heat alerts on June 22 through June 26, due to a “feels like” temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter, with alerts continuing into the following week. Much of the eastern half of the U.S. faced “major” or “extreme” risk of heat-related impacts in late June, according to the National Weather Service’s HeatRisk index.
High heat can be especially dangerous for those experiencing homelessness, including Flegette Rippy, a Street Sense vendor who said she struggles to find cool places to stay during the day and night…