The first day of fall is less than a month away, but high temperatures in the South can continue well into October or even November. The weather can be brutal, especially for those who aren’t equipped for the heat and humidity. The Homeless Care Council of Northwest Alabama last week hosted an event in Franklin County to help those in need during this time.

Hydrate the Homeless took place at the First Baptist Church in downtown Russellville Aug. 23. It was the third Hydrate the Homeless event this summer but the first one ever in Franklin County, according to Homeless Care Council executive director of the Christa Martin.

Attendees received numerous personal care items – such as socks, lip balm, cooling towels, ice packs, sunscreen, handheld fans, rain ponchos, flip flops, bags, tissues, hats, baby wipes, T-shirts, sunglasses and umbrellas – as well as information about where to get help for different needs, along with bottled water.