Friday, July 11, 2025
When summer temperatures soar, unsheltered individuals – those without stable housing – face extreme health risks. The combination of heat exposure, lack of water, and inadequate rest can lead to serious consequences.
Health Impacts of Living Unsheltered in Summer
Exposure to prolonged high temperatures significantly increases mortality among people experiencing homelessness. A study in Las Vegas and Los Angeles found their heat-related death rate to be 10 to 100 times higher than the general population.
Unsheltered people lack access to cooling environments, hydration, and shade. Making them vulnerable to hyperthermia, heat exhaustion, heatstroke and dehydration. Often aggravated by underlying conditions, medications, or mental health challenges.
High overnight temperatures degrade sleep quality. Sleep loss impairs mental health, amplifying distress among those already experiencing trauma.
How Communities are Helping
Communities across the U.S. – including ours – are stepping up to create and expand cooling centers and outreach services.
Washington D.C.’s summer heat plan includes over 100 cooling centers (libraries, rec and senior centers, splash parks, pools) and dedicated services to guide unhoused individuals to these safe spaces.
Phoenix, the nation’s hottest city, recorded a record 645 heat-related deaths in 2023, nearly half among the homeless. To combat this, the city deployed cooling centers.
Here at home the City of Cincinnati has stepped up once again this summer to provide cooling centers within select Rec Centers during extreme heat. We send our thanks for helping people stay safe!
Formal and informal cooling sites play a vital role to keep people safe. Studies show that spending just a few hours in air-conditioned spaces reduces mortality risk by around 66%.
Why it Matters
Sleeping unsheltered in the summer is far more dangerous than many realize.
While temporary solutions like cooling centers and outreach help, long-term safety lies in having stable housing.
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or about to be, please call The Central Access Point Helpline, 513-381-SAFE.
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