During the 2021 heatwave in British Columbia, Stephen Nelson experienced the harrowing impact of extreme temperatures firsthand. Nelson resided at the Keefer Rooms in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) when his neighbor, Mario, began to struggle in the oppressive heat. Mario, who had difficulty caring for himself, was assisted by Nelson and his girlfriend as temperatures soared. They took measures like opening windows, using a fan, and ensuring Mario had enough water. However, tragedy struck when Nelson found Mario deceased in his room the next day, succumbing to the heatwave’s effects on his existing medical conditions, as confirmed by a coroner’s report provided by the B.C. Coroners Service.
The Keefer Rooms, one of around 100 single-room occupancy (SRO) buildings in Vancouver, lack adequate cooling infrastructure and became dangerously hot during the heatwave. The extreme heatwave resulted in 619 deaths, with 10% occurring in social housing, including SROs, according to a report from a panel assembled by the B.C. Coroners Service.
In response to the crisis, SRO tenants and their neighbors took action to protect themselves during heatwaves. Wendy Pedersen established the Downtown Eastside SRO Collaborative Society, organizing teams of tenants, including “H2O teams” that check on neighbors and distribute bottled water during heatwaves. The organization facilitated the opening of cooling rooms in SRO buildings, with plans for additional cooling rooms funded by the Vancouver city council.
Gabby Doebeli, a researcher from the University of British Columbia’s Centre for Climate Justice, highlighted the challenges faced by SRO residents, emphasizing that indoor temperatures can be significantly higher than outdoor temperatures, making it difficult for people to rest. Despite these issues, SRO buildings play a vital role in providing affordable housing and must be preserved and protected, according to Pedersen.
In another SRO building called the Arlington, tenants have established a sense of community while enhancing safety during extreme heat. Cooling rooms were set up with support from various organizations, offering a reprieve from the heat and a space for socializing. However, funding gaps exist for essential expenses like renting cooling rooms, installing heat pumps, and providing bottled water.
Efforts are underway to secure funding for SRO upgrades, with a focus on enhancing cooling options for tenants. While recognizing the limitations of SRO units, the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs emphasized the importance of supporting vulnerable individuals in the DTES. Projects like the Ho’-kee-melh Kloshe Lum, offering homes and shelter spaces, aim to address housing challenges in the neighborhood.
Despite facing housing issues exacerbated by climate change, the Downtown Eastside community has shown resilience and solidarity in caring for its members during challenging times. Through collaborative efforts and support, residents strive to create a safer and more sustainable living environment in the face of extreme weather conditions.