BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WEEK) - With temperatures in the 90s, it feels good to walk into an air-conditioned home, but not everyone has that luxury. 

People at Bloomington's homeless encampment are doing what they can to survive the brutal heat. 

Around 20 people live in tents outside Bloomington's Home Sweet Home Ministries, even in the heat. 

Perry Payton has lived there for about six months. While the tents can provide shelter to escape the sun, he opens his up to at least get some air. 

"You put it over there, it's like an oven. It just heats it up like an oven," Payton said. 

Home Sweet Home Ministries Community Center next door offers air conditioning and cold drinks for anyone in Bloomington. 

The CEO said, in weather like this, the attendance almost doubles. 

But cooling centers are not open all day, every day. 

Jasmine Cowan, who has been on the street for years, knows that all too well. "It's very helpful Monday through Friday, but on the weekend, not too good, I mean, just got to find other ways," Cowan said. 

Home Sweet Home Ministries offers a place for camping neighbors to shower and rinse the sweat off. 

They also provide hygiene products like deodorant and soap. 

But in heat waves, they look for more donations to offset the increased demand for items to stay fresh. 

For information on how to donate, click HERE. 

Copyright 2024 WAND TV. All rights reserved.Â