Extreme Heat Events and Homelessness in New York City

 

Extreme Heat and Homelessness in New York City

Photo Credit: rangizzz - stock.adobe.com

The official start of summer is only a few weeks away, but it’s already growing quite hot in the streets of New York City. Excessive heat, made worse by the effects of climate change, is not just uncomfortable, it can be deadly, especially for the most vulnerable members of our society. This blog post will discuss the dangers of heat on the homeless population of New York City as well as resources they may use to cool off. 

Why Are Extreme Heat Events More Dangerous for Homeless New Yorkers? 

Even for the healthiest New Yorkers, extreme heat events tax their physical, mental and emotional well-being. However, certain conditions place some groups in greater danger. Those experiencing homelessness are the most vulnerable, because they often experience multiple risk factors simultaneously. According to the National Integrated Heat Health Information System, these risk factors include, but are not limited to, the following: 

  • Inaccessibility of clean drinking water and food
  • Consumption of spoiled food
  • Disabilities 
  • Respiratory illnesses, such as asthma
  • Chronic health issues, such as diabetes and cardiovascular issues
  • Mental illness, including:
    • Substance misuse
    • Schizophrenia 
    • Dementia
  • Not seeking medical treatment due to:
    • Distance
    • Lack of reliable transportation
    • Not having the money
  • Social stigma

How Many Homeless New Yorkers Die of Extreme Heat Events? 

According to the 2024 NYC Heat-Related Mortality Report, 580 New York City residents die prematurely each year due either to the direct effects of extreme heat or by the heat aggravating a pre-existing condition or illness. Furthermore, it found that 9 percent were “individuals noted to be experiencing or suspected to be experiencing homelessness.” Taking those numbers into consideration, that would mean that extreme heat accounts for the deaths of 52 or 53 homeless individuals every year. 

How Do You Protect Homeless People From Extreme Heat Events? 

In an ideal world, everyone would occupy housing that not only provides safety and security, but air conditioning in the summer and heat in winter. That said, many stably housed New Yorkers can’t afford air conditioning. Thankfully, the municipal government provides summer heat safety resources for all city residents. If you or someone you know is homeless and needs to escape the extreme heat expected this summer, you can also: 

Mentor A Promise and its network of partner organizations want you to not just survive but thrive this summer. 

Contact Mentor A Promise Today 

Our organization recognizes the immense potential within each individual and seeks to provide them with the educational resources and opportunities they need to thrive. To that end, we have built a strong network of family shelters, educational institutions and community organizations to support homeless children, youths and their families. Click these links to learn more about what we offer or to get involved. Together, we can break the cycle of homelessness. 


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