Extreme heat raises concerns for people experiencing homelessness
As a stretch of extreme heat grips Connecticut, advocates for people experiencing homelessness are warning that high temperatures can be just as dangerous as the bitter cold of winter.
Communities and organizations across the state have opened cooling centers to help residents escape the heat. In Hartford, more than a dozen cooling centers are available, including locations at parks and community facilities.
But advocates say a major challenge remains: Most cooling centers are open only during the day, even as overnight temperatures remain elevated.
Darius Bailey, a board member with The Housing Collective who previously experienced homelessness, said the dangers of extreme heat are often overlooked.
“The heatwave is going to be horrible. It’s going to be just as bad as people dying in their car from freezing overnight when we have the winter,” Bailey said.
Bailey said people experiencing homelessness may be less likely to seek shelter during hot weather than they are during cold weather.
“When it’s cold, people seek shelter. When it’s hot, people think they’re okay. They’re not going to see it as much. They’re going to be outside. And next thing you know, we have heat stroke happening left or right,” Bailey said.
State and local leaders are encouraging residents to use cooling centers and check on vulnerable neighbors during the heat wave.
“We want to make sure everyone is safe. So look out for your neighbors, look out for your relatives, your friends, look out for yourselves. Make sure you’re staying safe in this heat,” Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam said.
While some cooling centers remain open until 8 p.m. or 10 p.m., many close overnight. Shelters say they will accommodate as many people as possible, but advocates worry available space may not be enough if demand increases.
Jessica Kubicki, chief initiative officer for The Housing Collective, said expanding shelter capacity during heat emergencies can be difficult without additional resources.
“If agencies had the adequate funding available, they’d be able to respond in the same way that we do during the winter months. The challenge is it can be costly to bring in more people,” Kubicki said.
Advocates say much of the funding used to respond to weather-related emergencies is concentrated during the winter months. As periods of extreme weather become more frequent, they are calling for year-long investments to help agencies respond in every season.
Residents looking for a cooling center can find locations and additional resources by calling 211.
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