Reducing heat vulnerability for people experiencing homelessness: Assessing cross-sectoral and inter-jurisdictional collaborations

Source abstract

Climate change and economic inequality have created an urgent need for heat resilience planning for people experiencing homelessness, who face the greatest exposure and mortality risk during extreme heat events. Yet little research examines how jurisdictions plan to reduce heat risks for unhoused populations. This study examines heat governance for unhoused populations in Santa Clara County (California) by focusing on policy and planning activities, collaborations across sectors and between jurisdictions, and strategies to overcome barriers to heat resilience. We analyzed 16 countywide and municipal plans and interviewed 16 stakeholders. While most plans (81%) identified heat as an issue, only 31% specifically recognized unhoused people as vulnerable. Most heat-related planning focused on short-term interventions such as cooling centers and warning systems, and urban tree canopy was the dominant long-term strategy. County and municipal coordination primarily happens during heat emergencies rather than in long-term planning processes. Key challenges include lack of permanent funding and resources, organizational silos, and inadequate evaluation metrics. However, state and federal grants and voluntary coordination forums have shown promise, highlighting the critical need for more integrated governance to protect people experiencing homelessness from extreme heat.