Handling the Heat: Portland's Cooling Centers

Portland, Oregon has long prided itself in not requiring an air conditioning unit unlike its warm California and Nevada neighbors. Oh, how times have changed.

The Pacific North West was historically known for its mild summers, on average reaching 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the peak. Now, Portland can anticipate breaking its heat record every single year with 108 and 110-degree heat waves. 

According to an American Housing Survey done by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2019, the PNW has notably less air-conditioner installation across homes than in other metro areas. Nationwide, approximately 91% of households have central air installed in their homes; by contrast, Seattle has 44% and Portland 78%. 

Now this may seem like a rather minor problem that the PNW just needs to adapt to, but we are seeing damage from a slow catch-up to sustainable living. Heat stroke and heat-related illnesses are climbing, leaving those without AC vulnerable to serious injury. Until Portland, or the PNW in general, establishes a new AC "norm," there are going to be communities impacted. Specifically, those who are unhoused or do not have access to a facility with overnight air conditioning. Below are resources individuals can use over the warmer months in Portland, regardless of their housing status. 

Multnomah County - Overnight Centers:

• Charles Jordan Community Center: 9009 N. Foss Ave., Portland(link is external)
• East Portland Community Center: 740 S.E. 106th Ave., Portland.(link is external)
• Portland Building: 1120 S.W. 5th Ave., Portland.(link is external)
• Sunrise Center: 18901 E. Burnside, Portland.(link is external)

Daytime cooling center, from 2:00 pm to 10:00 p.m:

• Old Town: 435 N.W. Glisan St., Portland

You can also utilize the county's interactive map to find pools, community centers, and other cooling areas available to the public: 

 https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=0856c38202954fc19ce55f4d60794324&extent=-13716579.5946,5688527.9073,-13634027.6041,5740734.3976,102100

Clackamas County - Daytime Centers:

• Canby Denny’s Restaurant: 1369 SE 1st Ave., Canby, Open 24/7
• Canby Public Library: 220 NE 2nd Ave, Canby. 
• Estacada Public Library: 825 NW Wade Street, Estacada.
• Gladstone Public Library: 135 E Dartmouth St., Gladstone.
• Gladstone Senior Center: 1050 Portland Ave., Gladstone.
• Happy Valley Public Library: 13793 SE Sieben Park Way, Happy Valley.
• Hoodland Public Library: 24525 E Welches Rd, Welches.
• Lake Oswego Adult Community Center: 505 G Ave., Lake Oswego. 
• Lake Oswego Public Library: 706 4th St., Lake Oswego.  
• Ledding Public Library: 10660 SE 21st Avenue, Milwaukie. 
• Molalla Public Library: 201 E 5th St, Molalla. 
• Oak Lodge Public Library: 16201 SE McLoughlin Blvd, Oak Grove.
• Oregon City Public Library: 606 John Adams St., Oregon City.
• Sandy Public Library: 38980 Proctor Blvd, Sandy.
• West Linn Public Library: 1595 Burns St., West Linn.
• Wilsonville Community Center: 7965 SW Wilsonville Rd, Wilsonville.
• Wilsonville Public Library: 8200 SW Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville. 

There are many more centers across counties that will be posted as the heat climbs. While we make our way to sustainable housing for all, these sources may help keep those who need it cool. 

Sources: https://www.npr.org/2021/06/28/1010923130/the-pacific-northwest-has-limited-a-c-making-the-heat-wave-more-dangerous
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?
id=0856c38202954fc19ce55f4d60794324&extent=-13680705.1509,5685177.4191,-13610383.0849,5725536.17,102100&fbclid=IwAR3Fo-NddGCIylIFaIZb-RJQ8iTAno2519qjEQ2l2eTWZ92dP6Noav6b8oc