During the 2021 heat dome in British Columbia, Stephen Nelson experienced the rapid and deadly impact of soaring temperatures. Nelson, residing in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside at the Keefer Rooms, recounted how his neighbor Mario struggled in the heat. Nelson and his girlfriend tried to assist Mario by cooling his room with open windows and a fan while ensuring he stayed hydrated. Unfortunately, Nelson found Mario lifeless the next morning, succumbing to the extreme heat exacerbating his existing health issues, as confirmed by a coroner’s report from the B.C. Coroners Service.
The Keefer Rooms, a single-room occupancy building in Vancouver, is one of around 100 similar buildings where tenants share facilities. The heatwave claimed 619 lives, with 10% of the deaths occurring in social housing, including SROs, according to a report by a panel convened by the B.C. Coroners Service.
In response to the crisis, SRO tenants and their neighbors mobilized to monitor temperatures and ensure safety during heat spikes. Wendy Pedersen established the Downtown Eastside SRO Collaborative Society, which organizes teams to check on residents and distribute water during heatwaves. The organization also facilitated the opening of cooling rooms in SRO buildings to provide relief.
Researchers from the University of British Columbia’s Centre for Climate Justice, like Gabby Doebeli, collaborated with tenants to study indoor temperatures in SROs. Doebeli highlighted the challenge of sleeping in significantly warmer indoor temperatures compared to outdoors. Physiologist Daniel Gagnon emphasized the heightened exposure to extreme conditions for individuals living in buildings lacking proper cooling systems.
Despite the shortcomings in SRO buildings, Pedersen stressed the importance of preserving them as crucial housing options for vulnerable individuals. Efforts to secure funding for cooling rooms, heat pumps, and other essential resources are ongoing to enhance safety and comfort for SRO tenants.
At the Arlington SRO building, community building initiatives have improved safety during extreme heat. Cooling rooms, funded by various sources, have become vital communal spaces for tenants to socialize and seek relief from high temperatures. The collaborative efforts aim to address funding gaps and upgrade infrastructure to provide better living conditions for SRO residents.
Government and community organizations acknowledge the need for ongoing support and improvements in SRO housing to ensure the well-being of residents. Despite challenges, the Downtown Eastside community demonstrates resilience and solidarity in taking care of each other during difficult times.