Opinion: We should remember unhoused people when a severe snowstorm hits
Here we go again. #Toronto’s annual open-and-shut Band-Aid operation of emergency shelters for inclement weather.

Updated Jan. 15, 2026
By Cathy Crowe Contributor

"Here we go again. Toronto’s annual open-and-shut Band-Aid operation of emergency shelters for inclement weather.

"I’m used to city councillors fighting hard for their communities — whether it’s for transit, schools, safe roads, libraries or parks — but none of them questioned why their Scarborough, East York, York, North York or Etobicoke wards had no cool centres.

"Instead, it appears they believe a single 24/7 cooling centre, likely operating in the lobby at Metro Hall, will be sufficient for everyone needing respite across a city that spans 43 km east to west and 21 km north to south. This despite the city’s own 2024 Street Needs Assessment that counted more than 1,600 people living outside and shelter data that documented more than 150 people per day denied shelter due to lack of space.
Toronto has botched its approaches to protect vulnerable people during extreme weather."

Source:
https://www.thestar.com/rolling-file/opinion-we-should-remember-unhoused-people-when-a-severe-snowstorm-hits/article_0ccef729-53aa-455e-bf22-69106af3e072.html

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/Ek5Fc

#EmergencyPreparedness #EmergencyShelters #ExtremeWeather #ClimateChange #WarmingCenters #CoolingCenters #Housing4All #TorontoON #Ontario #Canada

Inside Climate News: How Do You Escape a Heat Wave When You Have Nowhere to Go?

"During this week’s heat wave, Dillon called paramedics for two unhoused people exhibiting symptoms of heat stress. She also found that many of the locations listed on the city’s website were inaccessible or underutilized.

Like most of the community service centers, all of the senior centers listed on the cooling center resources page are closed on the weekends, including during the heat wave, she said. While public libraries were well-utilized, Dillon said, she noted that other options, like splash pads at city parks, are targeted at children and are not realistic solutions for many adults and seniors seeking relief from the heat. Although the city advertises that police stations are open 24/7 for people to escape the heat or cold, Dillon added that some unhoused people may not feel safe taking refuge there. "

h/t @clive

https://insideclimatenews.org/news/26062025/chicago-unhoused-people-struggle-to-escape-heat/

#heatwaves #disasters #heat #coolingcenters #climateemergency

Will it reach 100 degrees in #NYC this week?

The temperature on Tuesday could approach the century mark and break a record that has stood since the 1800s. A "#CodeRedAlert" has been issued for #NewYorkCity.

By Brian Lada, AccuWeather

Published Jun 23, 2025 9:09 AM EDT | Updated Jun 24, 2025 7:31 AM EDT

"A massive heat wave is unleashing the hottest weather in years across the eastern United States, and the temperature in one of the biggest cities in the country could hit triple digits for the first time in over a decade.

"New York City is forecast to approach the 100-degree mark Tuesday afternoon, the hottest day of the ongoing heat wave.

"The AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperature will be even higher, peaking between 105 and 110 F, when taking into account factors such as high humidity and intense sunshine. Even if the temperature does not reach 100 degrees at the city's weather station in Central Park, it could hit triple digits in some areas nearby.

"Extreme heat can be dangerous for people who spend time outdoors. It also puts extra strain on the energy grid as air conditioning units go into overdrive to keep homes and businesses cool.

" 'This week's heat wave could be deadly and life threatening if you are not prepared,' New York City Mayor Eric Adams said.

"The New York City Department of #SocialServices issues a "Code Red Alert" in response to the #HeatWave. #CoolingCenters will be open for those who need access to areas to get relief from the #ExtremeWeather.

When was the last time it was 100 degrees in NYC?

"The last time the temperature reached 100 degrees in New York City's Central Park was on July 18, 2012.

"The daily high temperature record for June 24 is likely to be broken, which is 96 degrees set in 1888. However, the all-time record of 106 degrees set on July 7, 1936, is expected to remain intact."

Read more:
https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-forecasts/will-it-hit-100-degrees-during-nyc-heat-wave-this-week/1787032

#Heatwaves #GlobalBoiling

Several #CoolingCenters open in #Vermont, #NewHampshire and #NewYork due to #ExtremeHeat

Rare 'extreme heat warning' issued in Vermont, New York as dangerous heat settles in

by Michael Cusanelli
Jun 23, 2025

BARRE, Vt. — "Several municipalities in our region have opened cooling centers as temperatures will soar close to 100 degrees this week.

"Hinesburg Emergency Management has opened a cooling center at the CVU High School Library. Guests are welcome to visit the cooling center Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"The Middlebury Recreation Building on Creek Road is also open from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. both Monday and Tuesday. The town poll will be open as well from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.

"The city of Burlington has several cooling centers available across the city, as well as a shade tent set up in City Hall Park.

"Barre, meanwhile, is opening the Municipal Pool free of charge to all city residents on Monday. Proof of residency is required.

"In New Hampshire, Lebanon is opening several cooling areas for the general public on Monday and Tuesday. Those include the Lebanon Public Library, the Kilton Library and the Lebanon Airport Terminal Building. The Upper Valley Senior Center will also double as a cooling shelter for senior citizens only.

"In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency for Clinton and Essex counties, with cooling centers open across the North Country. The public libraries in Chazy Plattsburgh, Au Sable Forks, Wadhams, Chateaugay and Tupper Lake will be turned into cooling centers. A full list of shelters is available at the New York Department of Health website."

Source:
https://www.mynbc5.com/article/cooling-centers-vermont-new-hampshire-heat/65156676

#NewEnglandWx #ExtremeHeat #ClimateChange #GlobalHeating #Heatwave #Heatwaves #StayingCool #ClimateDiary #StayCool #CommunityResources

#Maine #CoolingCenters: Find a spot near you

As temperatures rise, communities across Maine open cooling centers to keep residents safe from the elements.
Author: NEWS CENTER Maine Staff
Published: 12:49 PM EDT June 22, 2025
Updated: 3:22 PM EDT June 23, 2025

AUGUSTA, Maine — "Summer has arrived in Maine, bringing rising temperatures and longer days. But when the heat becomes dangerous or oppressive, community cooling centers help support those who need an escape from the heat and humidity.

"The centers are often located in public spaces, such as recreation centers or libraries. They typically open for short-term purposes.

"While the primary purpose is to save lives by getting people out of potentially dangerous heat conditions, cooling centers may also provide charging stations, showers, or food.

"The latest listings for cooling centers are on the Maine Emergency Management Agency's [#MEMA] website. We've included a roundup here as well as additional resources to help you stay safe this summer when temperatures rise.

Androscoggin County

#AuburnME

Community Resource Center
121 Mill St.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (or later) Tuesday, June 24
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 25

Auburn

Auburn Senior Community Center
48 Pettengill Park Road
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 24

Auburn

Hasty Gymnasium at Auburn Recreation
48 Pettengill Park Road
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, June

Auburn

Auburn Public Library
49 Spring St.
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, June 24-25

#DurhamME

Durham Eureka Community Center
606 Hallowell Road
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 24

#LisbonME

Lisbon Police Department
300 Lisbon St.
Open as needed 24/7

#PolandME

A.B. Ricker Memorial Library
1211 Maine St.
9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, June 23-24
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, June 25-26
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 27

#TurnerME

Turner Fire & Rescue
19 General Turner Hill Road
Available as needed

Aroostook County

#CaribouME

Caribou Wellness Center
55 Bennett Drive
6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cumberland County

#BridgtonME

Bridgton Community Center
15 Depot St.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25

#GorhamME

Baxter Library
71 South St.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, June 23
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 24

#PortlandME

#PortlandPublicLibrary
5 Monument Square
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 24

#ScarboroughME

#ScarboroughPublicLibrary
48 Gorham Road
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Friday
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

Kennebec County

#AugustaME

Augusta Civic Center, Cumberland Room
76 Community Drive
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 24

#WatervilleME

Waterville City Hall Annex
46 Front St.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 24

Knox County

#RocklandME

#RocklandPublicLibrary
Rockland City Hall
Flanagan Community Center
Open during "normal business hours"

#SouthThomaston

Public Library (former Gilford Butler School)
54 Spruce Head Road
Noon to 4 p.m. Monday, June 23
Noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, June 24-25

#UnionME

Union Town Office
567 Common Road
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25

Lincoln County

#BoothbayHarborME

Boothbay Harbor Town Office
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 24
8:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, June 25

#DamariscottaME

Central Lincoln County YMCA
575 Maine St.
5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 23-27

#NewcastleME

Newcastle Fire Station Community Room
86 River Road
Closes at 7 p.m. Monday, June 23

Oxford County

#CantonME

Town of Canton Meeting Room
94 Turner Street
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday
8 a.m. to noon Tuesday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday
8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday
8 a.m. to noon Friday

Piscataquis County

#DoverFoxcroftME

Dover-Foxcroft Town Office, Community Room
48 Norton Avenue
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25

Sagadahoc County

#TopshamME

Topsham Municipal Building, Russel Room
100 Main St.
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 24

York County

#AlfredME

Parsonsfield Town Office
634 North Road
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, June 24-25

#BerwickME

Berwick Fire Department
3 Public Safety Way
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25

#BiddefordME

#McArthurLibrary
270 Main St.
9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25

#BuxtonME

Buxton Town Office
185 Portland Road
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25

#KennebunkME

Kennebunk Free Library
112 Main St.
9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 24

#KennebunkportME

Church on the Cape
3 Langsford Road
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 24

Kennebunkport

Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library
18 Maine St.
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 24

#LebanonME

North Lebanon Second Baptist Church
259 Bakers Grant Road
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 24

#LimingtonME

Limington Municipal Complex
425 Sokokis Ave.
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, June 23-24

#NorthBerwickME

D.A. Hurd Library
51 High St.
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, June 23
1 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 24
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 25

#SacoME

Saco Community Center
75 Franklin St.
7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25

#WaterboroME

Waterboro Town Hall
24 Townhouse Road
Noon to 5 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, June 23-24

Waterboro

#WaterboroPublicLibrary
187 Main St.
Noon to 8 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, June 23-24

#YorkME

York Public Library
15 Long Sands Road
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25

#HomelessShelters

"State and local resources are available for people who are experiencing homelessness or are in need of housing or heating support. Link below for more information.

"For direct assistance to find resources available near you, dial 211 or call 1-877-463-6207; text your ZIP code to 898-211; or email [email protected].
What are the risks?

"According to the Maine Emergency Management Agency, heat-related illnesses in the state more often occur when temperatures reach the mid-80s or higher.

“Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough. In these cases, a person's body temperature rises faster "

Source:
https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/public-safety/cooling-centers-heat-stroke-exhaustion-mema-emergency-short-term-shelter/97-d2ddaac2-bbea-4dc8-833f-c78e7dc788f4

MEMA list of Cooling Centers:
https://www.maine.gov/mema/response-recovery/mass-care

Emergency shelters for the #Unhoused:
https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/homeless/emergency-shelters

#MEWx #ExtremeHeat #MaineWx #ClimateChange #GlobalHeating #Heatwave #Heatwaves #StayingCool #MaineClimateDiary #ClimateDiary
#Heatwave #Heatwaves #Maine #CoolingCenters #StayCool #CommunityResources

Today on the Maine coast (Monday, June 23rd), there is a seabreeze, so Portland is 10 degrees cooler (72°F , 22.2°C ) than it is inland (83°F , 28.3°C ). However tomorrow (June 24th), there won't be a seabreeze, and Portland is predicted to hit a high of 98°F (36.7°C )! The same as it is inland. No relief at the beach!

Also, the #PortlandPublicLibrary's downtown location (Monument Square) has just been declared an official "cooling center" (there may be others in different locations -- I'll see what I can find).

#MaineClimateDiary #ClimateDiary #Heatwave #Heatwaves #ClimateChange #Maine #CoolingCenters #StayCool

Houston and Harris County are getting financial assistance from a local electricity retailer to operate more than 20 cooling centers throughout the summer months.

https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/local/2025/06/13/523979/city-of-houston-harris-county-operating-summertime-cooling-centers-with-help-of-reliant-energy/

#Business #CityOfHouston #HarrisCounty #Houston #Local #News #CoolingCenters #CoolingCentersInHarrisCounty #CoolingCentersInHouston #HoustonHeat #ReliantEnergy #SummerInHouston

Cooling Center List for #LosAngelesCounty

#CAwx #coolingCenters #heatwave

https://ready.lacounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-Cooling-Centers-List-for-Webpage-7.20.24.pdf

Bloomberg: Operating the Perfect Cooling Center Is Harder Than It Looks

As temperatures climb, public officials are learning that getting people to come to air-conditioned cooling centers isn’t as easy as just opening the doors.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-08-14/arizona-s-cooling-centers-hold-lessons-for-a-warming-planet

#ClimateEmergency #climate #AC #heatwaves #CoolingCenters #community