We all remember the record hitting temperatures during last summer. This wasn’t like any typical summer for us here in Portland. Sure, we have had hot summers, but this was different. It was a sweltering, suffocating heat. Walking outside was already difficult enough. Combine that with walking to your car only to find that you can’t sit in the vehicle for more than a couple of minutes without the air turned on. A heat so strong living everyday life became even more difficult.
Those who did not have air in their homes were struggling and suffocating just like those who were living on the street. The “Tower Fan'' and the “Oscillating Fan’ just aren't cutting it anymore. According to Grist.org “at least 71 people are confirmed or suspected to have died of heat related causes in Multnomah County.” According to the article this is the total number of deaths during the heat wave. However, Adam Mahoney states in his article that it is unclear how many of these deaths occurred among people who were experiencing homelessness.
While that was just one statistic. We don’t know if these 71 people were homeless or if they were at home simply lacking the ability to have air conditioning. Most Portland Homes were built when the climate was more adequate and less temperamental. However, due to climate change, we are finding that even most homes, apartment buildings, and townhouses, are without AC. The landlords were either unprepared for such heat, lacking the funds, or were simply negligent.
Now combine this horrible situation with someone who lacks shelter and is being forced to live on the street due to a plethora of reasons. They could have recently been struggling with paying their rent and have been evicted. They are now on the street and exposed to the elements. According to Mahoney, and his interview with Portland resident Scott Kerman ``If we are going to have colder winters and hotter summers then we have to be prepared for people who are unhoused or poorly housed continuing to die.” Where do the houseless go when we are reaching record temperatures in summer? Where do they go when the city is frozen over? Homeless shelters can only hold so many people. When there is no more room left, where are people left to turn?
These are questions we need to ask ourselves, and points we need to bring up to our city council. However, on the bright side there are some things being done to combat climate change and being houseless. Many of you around town have probably seen the little compounds of tiny homes being set up around town. The city is beginning to set up houseless villages with electricity and heating. The New York Post reported on this, “The homeless will be granted access to the camp if they’re given referrals from first responders, social or homeless services and park rangers.” Not only will these camps offer housing to those who are in need, but this simple action of setting up tiny home camps around town could possibly save lives.
In short people should not be dying because of heat waves, or the neglect of landlords unwilling to install central AC. The year is 2021 when living in a home we are past the age of having no AC. Having AC installed in homes as well as having space for the houseless to shelter from the elements are a much-needed necessity. The Houseless villages are a small step in the right direction. One can only hope that speaking up and getting out there can put us on the right track. It’s got to be better than sitting back and accepting the circumstances, right?
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