Local mission gears up for scorching summer heat

As the scorching summer months are among Yuma, so is the time of year where the city’s homeless are in need of support. On Wednesday, Crossroads Mission prepared for Yuma’s summer months by helping those in need. Homeless people who often seek shelter at the mission said surviving a summer without the mission’s assistance would be nearly impossible. Barbara Rochester with Crossroads Mission said the staff and volunteers alike are gearing up for the upcoming months by collecting resources and good from the community. “We have snacks for them on a regular basis and plenty of fluid for them,” Rochester said. “[We have] lots of ice and fluid to cool them down.” Along with offering food, water and shelter around the clock, all are encouraged to stop by and take advantage of the cooling amenities. A volunteer with the mission said those who don’t seek assistance from the shelter are often, a rare minority. “Many won’t not come here,” Glenn Cocanaer said. “There are a few [that] value their freedom more than their comfort, so they never come here. But they’re in the very small minority.”