France is currently experiencing one of the earliest and most intense heatwaves in recent years. In many regions, temperatures are climbing above 40 degrees Celsius. For most people, this means mainly sweaty days. For homeless and other people in difficult life situations, however, it is about far more – for them, the extreme heat can be life-threatening.
Against this backdrop, the Salvation Army has launched its nationwide summer campaign “Solidarity Heat”. The campaign runs from June 22 to August 31, 2026, with a clear goal: to support people exposed to high temperatures without protection.
According to estimates, more than 350,000 people in France live without permanent shelter or in emergency accommodations. For them, access to drinking water, a shaded place, or an air-conditioned room is far from a given. While many people retreat to their apartments or offices on hot days, homeless individuals often spend hours outdoors. The consequences range from dehydration and circulatory problems to life-threatening heat strokes.
As part of the aid campaign, the Salvation Army is organizing collection drives in numerous cities for urgently needed everyday items. Among the requested donations are water bottles, drinking bottles, sun hats, caps, sunglasses, sunscreen, fans, portable ventilators, cooling towels, and hygiene products. Volunteers then distribute the donated items directly to people living on the streets during their regular outreach efforts.
The organization’s facilities are also adapting to the exceptional weather conditions. In several cities, day centers remain open longer so that affected individuals can find refuge in air-conditioned or well-ventilated rooms during the hottest hours. In some cases, this extension of opening hours was made at the request of local authorities.
The Salvation Army has been committed to helping people in need for more than 145 years. With the current campaign, it also aims to raise awareness of a frequently overlooked problem: extreme heat exacerbates social inequalities. Recommendations like drinking enough fluids, avoiding physical exertion, or staying in cool rooms sound obvious – but for people without a home, they often remain out of reach.
As weather forecasts continue to predict exceptionally high temperatures, the organization appeals to the public to show solidarity. Even small gestures can make a big difference – whether through a donation of goods, paying attention to people in need, or supporting local aid services. Especially in times of extreme weather, societal cohesion can save lives.
By C. Hatty