This part is especially frustrating:

According to the county’s report released today, eight people died of hypothermia brought on by extreme cold in 2021. No deaths detailed in the report were caused by fires.

Four people died of hyperthermia, brought on by extreme heat.

It’s a much smaller source of deaths than drug use, but there are solutions in place. These deaths were easily avoidable. I am part of a city-affiliated program that helps staff the warming/cooling shelters with volunteers. I have not volunteered yet, but plan to in the future. Despite the bitter cold at times this winter and transportation (transit and on request) to the warming shelters, many homeless people were not in the shelters.

Hypothermia also has affects even if people don’t die. Frostbite can cause permanent damage in the extremities, even at fairly warm temperatures.