With temperatures rising to well over 90 degrees in southern Maine this week, Biddeford is coming together to help those experiencing homelessness beat the heat this summer.

Buildings throughout the city are acting as cooling centers, including Biddeford City Hall, the J. Richard Martin Community Center, and MacArthur Library, all in downtown Biddeford.

In Saco, the Saco Transportation Center and Saco Community Center will both serve as cooling centers for those in need.

Biddeford Mayor Martin Grohman said it’s important to help unhoused residents during extreme weather events as the city continues to find solutions to homelessness.

“I’m very focused on getting Biddeford’s homeless into permanent housing or permanent supportive care,” Grohman said. “The work is challenging but rewarding, and we’re always looking for more volunteers to help.”

According to a study from Boston University, extreme heat can substantially raise the mortality risk for those experiencing homelessness, in large part due to heat-related illness. Cooling centers and access to cold water can decrease the risk.

Overnight center Seeds of Hope, located on South Street in downtown Biddeford, is extending its hours during sweltering weather to provide relief for those experiencing homelessness.

While Seeds of Hope typically closes at 1 p.m. for daytime drop-in, the center is remaining open until 4:30 p.m. during the heat so individuals can stay in a cool, safe place until local community meal program Bon Appetit opens for the evening meal.

Seeds of Hope is also opening its overnight center at 5:30 p.m., rather than the usual 7 p.m., to give people relief from the heat earlier.

“We hope these extended hours will help those without shelter stay safe and supported during the heat wave,” Executive Director Vassie Fowler said.

Biddeford residents are also getting involved in helping their unhoused neighbors.

Local artist Jessica Stackpole took to social media to encourage neighbors to donate cases of water, food, sunscreen and hats to help homeless community members.

“During my normal travels in Biddeford today, I’ve encountered many homeless community members that were so grateful to take a water bottle regardless of if I had already drank from it,” Stackpole said.

Stackpole encouraged other Biddeford residents to buy a case of water and keep it in a cooler in their car in case they come across someone in need of cold water.

“You could save a life in your town,” Stackpole said. “Do something instead of looking away. They are humans just like you and I and we all get thirsty.”

Several Biddeford residents told Stackpole that she inspired them to take action.

“I love this so much,” JB Sweeney said. “You’ve inspired me to keep supplies in my car for our homeless neighbors.”