The Heat Wave: A Dangerous Epidemic for the Homeless Population
Due to global warming, temperatures have been rising all over the world, creating prolonged droughts and intense heat waves; the Pacific Northwest getting the brunt of the heat wave, Portland specifically experiencing temperatures in the triple digits for three consecutive days in June 2021. These conditions can be deadly for the homeless population, or for those who are inadequately housed, as without appropriate shelter, most suffer physical hardship as a result of dehydration or heat exhaustion.
Around the country, heat contributes to some 1,500 deaths annually, and advocates estimate about half of those people are homeless. In Portland, 54 deaths of the homeless have been confirmed to be related to the June 2021 heatwave, in which June 26th, 27th, and 28th brought temperatures up to 108 degrees (42.2 Celsius), 112 degrees (44.4 Celsius), and 116 degrees (46.7 Celsius) respectively.
For the Portland homeless community, living on the streets paired with over 100 degree weather is extremely uncomfortable. There’s no place to escape. Temperatures continue to rise across the U.S. and the world, and cities like Portland, that don’t have the experience or infrastructure for dealing with heat waves, have to adjust accordingly. Systems and protection must be in place for Portland residents (allowing AC units in apartments), for the vulnerable, but especially for the homeless, who are about 200 times more likely to die from heat-related causes. Portland has unfortunately seen some deaths due to heatwave-related causes in past summers, with 54 homeless deaths being confirmed for Multnomah County in 2019.
Portland has taken initiative for the homeless community by providing cooling shelters, meals, and various supplies to help stay cool and safe during the summer’s heat waves. The Blanchet House, a nonprofit organization located in Old Town Portland, offers meals to the homeless, but also provides water, clean shirts, and hygiene kits. Central City Concern is a Portland-based nonprofit that aids in housing, addiction services, and employment. During hot weather days, their volunteers can be seen riding bikes around Portland handing out water bottles to those experiencing homelessness.
There is no doubt that global warming and climate change contribute to this epidemic of heatwaves. We are in dire need of this changing, for the sake of our planet and our future. This will take a lot of action-taking, and challenging those in higher power to make the right choices in order to see true systemic change. In the meantime, it is vastly important that we recognize the needs of our vulnerable communities and offer our guidance in order to make them feel seen, heard, and most importantly, safe.
Links to resources:
https://centralcityconcern.org/
Cooling centers based on county: https://www.211info.org/summer-and-heat-related-resources/#:~:text=Anyone%20who%20needs%20transportation%20support,language%20interpreters%20available%20by%20phone).
-Jasmine Lumanglas
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