Skid Row Cooling Resources Provides Relief to Heat Crisis on Skid Row

Los Angeles, CA, August 11, 2021 --(PR.com)-- The Skid Row Cooling Resources Coalition announces operation of 4 outdoor cooling centers in Skid Row to protect vulnerable residents, many of whom are unhoused and living in spaces with inadequate air conditioning, from the brutal impacts of historic heat. Heat is felt exponentially in urban areas like DTLA where the built environment holds and magnifies heat that continues to radiate from concrete even at night.

Skid Row Cooling Resources offers relief via misting canopies and distribution of drinking water, hydrating beverages, ice and sunscreen. Working with partners that include the City of Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti's Office, Council District 14 and LADWP, Skid Row Cooling Resources is introducing a dual use of fire hydrants that are attached to a mechanism that sends water to both the filtered water bar for drinking and to pipes in a canopy to provide cooling mist. The centers are accessible 16 hours daily and are operated by Homeless Health Care Los Angeles with Urban Alchemy providing the staffing component and offering safety and referrals for the community.

The hope is that this pilot project will serve as a model for other areas where there are few or no structures or services dedicated to meeting the needs of the public as climate change continues to endanger those most exposed to the elements.

Coalition member and Environmental Attorney Lisa Kaas Boyle worked to ensure the model relies primarily on tap water instead of plastic bottled water. "Water is a human right recognized by international law and California law, yet so many people, especially those experiencing homelessness, have no access to drinking water. This is especially dangerous during heat waves when people can die from dehydration. Skid Row Cooling Resources is meeting the demand for water in the most sustainable manner possible."

Stephany Campos, Director of the ReFresh Spot at 544 Towne Ave., helped assemble the Coalition to offer emergency outdoor relief as the indoor facility is overwhelmed by the needs of the Skid Row population. Campos says, "The ReFresh Spot is just one facility that offers filtered tap water, reusable bottles, showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities to a Skid Row population of over 5,000. There should be at least 5 more permanent spaces like this throughout the area that are invested in and properly maintained. Additionally, the Refresh Spot is a model that should be replicated not only on Skid Row, but elsewhere in LA County to meet the needs of the 66,000 people experiencing homelessness in the County."

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