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Group Helps Homeless Cool Down

"House the Homeless" is trying to round up hats with tails that drape down over the neck and ears to help homeless people, like these lined up outside Caritas in Austin, defend themselves against 100-plus degree temperatures
Photo by KUT News
"House the Homeless" is trying to round up hats with tails that drape down over the neck and ears to help homeless people, like these lined up outside Caritas in Austin, defend themselves against 100-plus degree temperatures

House the Homelessis trying to find hats with tails to help homeless folks to try to help keep them cool on these blistering summer days.

The Swap-A-Hat program is looking for hats that have a fabric sheet, or tail, that hangs down and covers the back of the wearer's neck and ears. The group is also giving out UV-rated sunglasses for dollar donations.

Richard Troxell, president of House the Homeless, says this is the second year that homeless people have the option to swap in their old hat for a new one with a tail or to purchase one for a dollar. The dollars go to people in Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma and other areas left homeless by this spring's tornadoes and floods.