Temperatures in the Phoenix area are expected to reach 114 degrees or higher over the next few days. That can be dangerous for anyone, but especially for individuals without shelter. 

The nonprofit Circle the City, which provides medical care to people experiencing homelessness in the Phoenix area, is already reporting a surge of cases of heat rash, dehydration and exhaustion, with the summer's hottest temperatures still to come. 

And this year, more Arizonans are vulnerable to heat-related illness, said Circle the City spokesperson Marty Hames. 

“Every day we are seeing a growing number of people who are experiencing homelessness for the first time in their lives, often even in their 60s, 70s and up,” Hames said.

Data from the Maricopa Association of Governments shows the region's unsheltered homeless population is more than double what it was just five years ago.

"We’re seeing an increase of this population across the board, so now you add this other element of these triple-digit, potentially deadly temperatures, and it’s a tough situation,” Hames said.

Hames said Circle the City is expecting to treat even more cases of heat-related illness in the months ahead. The organization provides outpatient care at its Phoenix clinic site, but Circle the City also plans to send out mobile medical units and street medicine teams this summer to treat hard-to-reach populations. 

The organization is seeking donations of bottled water, hats and sunscreen, Hames said.

"We're just bracing for what's going to be a very tough summer," Hames said.