Exploring the Connection Between Extreme Heat and Housing Insecurity in San Diego County

Written by: Nicole Fassina

Extreme Heat and Housing Insecurity 

Heat waves are extreme weather events characterized by long periods of high temperatures. Due to their climate-change driven frequency and severity in recent years, these natural phenomena have garnered increasing attention. While heat waves impact various regions across the globe, their relevance in San Diego County cannot be overlooked. San Diego County, known for its Mediterranean climate, has experienced a surge in the frequency and severity of heat waves, posing significant challenges to its residents. Concurrently, housing insecurity is a pressing social issue that has reached a critical point in San Diego County. The housing crisis is a complex problem influenced by numerous factors, including housing affordability, economic instability, and mental health. As heat waves increase in frequency and severity, unhoused individuals face heightened health risks as they often lack access to adequate shelter and resources to cope with extreme heat. This intersection between the issues of extreme heat and housing insecurity raises critical questions about public health, social justice, and urban planning. 

Health Impacts of Heat

Direct heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, are a significant concern when it comes to the health impacts of heat waves. Heat stroke occurs when the body’s ability to control temperature fails due to a prolonged period of exposure to high temperatures, which can be life-threatening if not promptly treated (CDC, 2022). Additionally, extreme heat health impacts can be indirect, exacerbating existing health conditions and leading to impacts on a wide range of organs and bodily systems. During heat waves, deaths, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits tend to rise, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Extreme heat can also interact with other environmental health exposures, such as ozone pollution and wildfire smoke.  Co-occurring extreme heat and ozone exposures increase the risk of respiratory symptoms. Ozone exposure is associated with poor air quality and causes many adverse health effects such as respiratory illnesses and asthma. When an extreme heat event and poor air quality exposure occurs simultaneously, the health burden is increased (Schwarz et al., 2021).

Factors that increase vulnerability to heat-related health issues include certain medical conditions including cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, and risk factors include advanced age, living alone, limited access to air conditioning, struggles with alcohol or substances, and mental health challenges – with each of these factors being more prevalent amongst unhoused individuals (Baker, 2019). A study done to determine the effect of heat waves on emergency departments (ED) found that the odds of ED visits were higher for those experiencing housing insecurity (Schwarz et al., 2021). The study examined 24,688 unhoused individuals in the City of San Diego who visited an ED. Most of these individuals were under 65 years old (94%) and of non-Hispanic ethnicity (84%), with 14% needing psychiatric consultations (Schwarz et al., 2021). The study found that heat waves, particularly during the daytime, were positively associated with an increased risk of ED visits, and unhoused individuals who were younger or elderly and required psychiatric consultations were found to be more vulnerable to heat (Schwarz et al., 2021). 

Furthermore, the health challenges posed by heat waves are compounded when they intersect with other issues common among unhoused individuals. Unhoused individuals often struggle with mental health and substance abuse, and the temperatures during a heat wave can exacerbate these problems (Institute of Medicine, 1988). The stress of coping with the heat can worsen mental health symptoms, leading to increased anxiety and depression among those who are already struggling (Institute of Medicine, 1988). Additionally, the lack of access to shelter and resources during heat waves can make it even more difficult for unhoused individuals to manage these pre-existing health issues, creating a vicious cycle of vulnerability and poor health outcomes (Pendrey et al., 2014).

The High Cost of Living, Housing Insecurity, and Gentrification 

The issue of affordable housing in San Diego County is a significant concern with the high cost of living exacerbating this problem, making it difficult for many individuals and families to find affordable places to live. San Diego County’s desirable location, ideal weather, and strong job market contribute to its high cost of living and lack of affordable housing (Menezes & Schmiedeberg, 2023). Ultimately, housing development has not kept up with population growth, which has decreased the supply of affordable housing (City of San Diego, 2021). The cost of buying a home in the city is well above the national average, with the median home price being $919,506 (City News Service, 2023). The average cost of renting an apartment in San Diego County is $2,997, which is more than double the national average (RentCafe, 2023). The high cost of living in San Diego County extends beyond housing and includes other essential expenses such as food, transportation, healthcare, and education. The cost of living for a single person in San Diego County is estimated to be around $5,589 a month, making it the most expensive city to live in the United States as of 2023 (Menezes & Schmiedeberg, 2023). This high cost of living can create financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with lower incomes in vulnerable populations, and the lack of affordable housing has been cited as one of the most pressing issues San Diego County residents are concerned with. A survey conducted by the Nonprofit Institute reported that nearly two-thirds of San Diego County residents are considering moving out of the region, and 75% of those respondents explained their reasoning was due to San Diego County being expensive (The Nonprofit Institute, 2023). 

For unhoused individuals, the high cost of living has only exacerbated their difficult living conditions. Currently, in San Diego County, there are approximately 6,500 individuals who are unhoused or experiencing housing instability (RTFH, 2023). Many reside in emergency shelters, safe havens, or transitional housing, but approximately 3,285 are unsheltered (RTFH, 2023). Out of all unhoused individuals accounted for in this regional census, approximately 69% are male, 53% are white, and 10% are veterans (RTFH, 2023). Within San Diego County, the City of San Diego has the highest concentrated population of unhoused persons, making up 63% of the county’s total unhoused population. East County has the second highest population of unhoused persons, at 1,703, making up 17% of the county’s total population. North County Inland, North County Coastal, and South County all have lower populations of unhoused persons compared to other regions (RTFH, 2023). East County includes neighborhoods like El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, and is considered to have a low socioeconomic status when compared to other neighborhoods, with a 16.5% rate of individuals who fall below the federal poverty level (HHSA, 2022). Neighborhoods in North County include Carlsbad, Del Mar, Oceanside, and this area tends to have a higher socioeconomic status, with only 6.3% of the population falling below the federal poverty line (HHSA, 2022). 

Unhoused individuals in San Diego County are especially vulnerable to the impacts of extreme heat. Socioeconomic factors play a significant role in this vulnerability, as economic instability is often at the root of housing insecurity. San Diego County’s high cost of living and limited affordable housing options make it challenging for unhoused individuals to secure stable housing, forcing many to endure life on the streets. Even when an individual manages to find a job or access support services, it can be nearly impossible to afford a place to live or the majority of their income may be spent on securing a place to live. With housing costs taking up a large portion of income, there is little left for other essential needs like food, healthcare, and transportation. It is also important to take into consideration that competition for affordable housing and jobs is fierce, especially in a city with a high cost of living. Unhoused individuals often find themselves competing for limited resources with higher-earning individuals who can afford to pay more for housing. This puts unhoused individuals at a disadvantage, as landlords and employers may favor individuals with a more stable financial background. 

The competitive housing market in San Diego County has led to the gentrification of many neighborhoods, causing many individuals and families to relocate. Gentrification refers to the process of urban development and revitalization that often leads to an influx of higher-income residents and businesses, resulting in rising property values and living costs (Schnake-Mahl et al., 2020). The gentrification of certain neighborhoods in San Diego County is driven by the region’s increasing high cost of living and the lack of affordable housing. As housing costs rise, lower-income residents may be displaced, which can include unhoused individuals living in tent communities. This displacement exacerbates the vulnerability of those experiencing housing insecurity during extreme weather events. Displacement is the most common problem associated with gentrification and it can occur in various ways. Direct displacement occurs when residents are forced to move due to rent increases, building renovations, or new housing developments (National Low Income Housing Coalition, 2019). The demolition and redevelopment of older, more affordable housing units in favor of luxury developments or retail spaces reduces the availability of affordable options for those at risk of housing insecurity (Schnake-Mahl et al. 2020). This is referred to as exclusionary displacement, where affordable housing options for low-income residents become limited (National Low Income Housing Coalition, 2019). These types of displacement can force more vulnerable individuals onto the streets or into temporary shelters. Unhoused individuals living on the streets or in makeshift encampments are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of San Diego-specific extreme climate events like heat waves, wildfires, and heavy rainfall. 

One of the many murals at Chicano Park done by artist Dolores Serrano. Photographed by Mike Salorio.

Case Study of Barrio Logan 

Gentrification has occurred in many neighborhoods in San Diego, but one neighborhood where gentrification is especially prevalent is in Barrio Logan. Barrio Logan is situated in the southern part of the city, just southeast of the downtown area. The neighborhood is bordered by the San Diego Bay to the west, National City to the south, and the neighborhoods of Logan Heights and Sherman Heights to the north and east (The City of San Diego). Many industrial businesses are situated in this area and a substantial number of low-income residents reside in Barrio Logan. In the early 1900s, the Barrio Logan area was home to many Mexican refugees who were displaced by the Mexican Revolution (Wiegand & Admin, 2023). When redlining policies were implemented in the 1950s and 1960s, the neighborhood was rezoned from a residential zone to an industrial zone, indicating Barrio Logan as an “undesirable area.” (Wiegand & Admin, 2023) In fact, when the neighborhood was first rezoned, many residents left the area due to the construction of the freeway and the loss of housing. 

Currently, Barrio Logan is known for its rich cultural history, vibrant art scene, and a strong sense of community. This community is home to Chicano Park, a renowned cultural park that features colorful murals and sculptures that celebrate the neighborhood’s heritage and culture – a national historic landmark that has also brought great economic success for local businesses of the community (Saavedra et al., 2022). Chicano Park is especially important because of its murals showcasing art from the revolutionaries of Mexico, an homage to the initial population of Mexican Revolution refugees. 

Barrio Logan has more recently become an attractive destination for wealthier, predominantly white visitors, leading to a surge in property values due to primarily white property owners, and subsequent rent increases. (Saavedra et al., 2022) This influx of new residents and rising costs has contributed to the displacement of the community’s original residents, many of whom now struggle to afford to live there. While the neighborhood has transformed into a tourist and investment hub, the economic benefits have not stayed within the local community, particularly among its working-class Mexican-American residents (Saavedra et al., 2022). This process of gentrification can oftentimes lead to tensions within a community. Residents and families in this community have been displaced as their income has generally not increased in accordance with increased housing prices. This can directly contribute to housing insecurity as low income individuals and families with nowhere else to go are unable to continue affording to live in their neighborhood. If unhoused, individuals displaced by gentrification are now more vulnerable to extreme climate events, especially since Barrio Logan faces a heightened risk during heat waves due to its industrial location. Neighborhoods in industrial locations, like Barrio Logan, have low heat mitigation due to limited green spaces, lack of tree canopy, and high concentration of concrete and asphalt, which means it is harder to cool down temperatures in those areas (City of San Diego). Barrio Logan also has the highest level of overall pollution burden in San Diego County, exposing residents to chemicals that increase the risk of asthma, skin irritations, and other poor health outcomes, as evidenced by the community’s rate of asthma-related hospital visits, which is higher than 96% of California census tracts (California State Coastal Conservancy, 2020). Overall, Barrio Logan’s industrial setting places the community in a vulnerable position where the impacts of extreme heat events are only heightened due to its low heat mitigation and the health of its residents are only compounded by high pollution rates. 

Shelters and Services 

During heat waves, ensuring the availability and accessibility of shelters and services for unhoused individuals becomes a matter of utmost importance. Existing infrastructure plays a crucial role in addressing the needs of the homeless population, with many cities repurposing public spaces and community centers as cooling centers, offering respite from the sweltering conditions. These efforts aim to provide hydration, medical care, and a safe environment for those without shelter or stable housing.  

While there are shelters and services in place to be utilized by the homeless population in San Diego, there are still challenges that come with accessing these shelters. There are currently 13 homeless shelters that are funded by the City of San Diego, with a total of 1,708 beds. (211 San Diego). Nonprofit entities, such as the Alpha project, which runs a temporary bridge-shelter initiative accommodating 325 single adults in downtown San Diego, and Father Joe’s Villages, which offers emergency shelter, temporary housing, and housing-related services, are also available for unsheltered individuals (Mackin-Solomon & Frausto, 2022). The most common obstacle with accessing shelters and housing-related services is the shortage of suitable beds. The Voice of San Diego conducted an analysis of shelter referrals which revealed that “just 37% of the 6,620 referrals by outreach workers and police officers ultimately resulted in a homeless resident being placed in shelter” (Halverstadt, 2022). According to Lisa Jones, the executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at the Housing Commission, the primary reason for unmet referrals was a limited amount of available bed options, which also includes instances where there was a lack of beds that met particular requirements such as bottom bunks for seniors (Halverstadt, 2022). 

More challenges that come with these shelters are the rules and restrictions to access once they get into the shelter. Many shelters have rules such as a referral system to get someone into a shelter, age restrictions for sleeping on the top bunks which reduces the number of beds available to those that are older, limits on the amount of possessions, limits on pets, weight limits, and many more restrictive rules (Mackin-Solomon & Frausto, 2022). These types of regulations are established to filter individuals due to a shortage of available beds. But stripping these individuals of belongings they rely on, their pets, or the little possessions they own, is dehumanizing and leaves them with nothing to anchor themselves to. In short, despite there being resources available for homeless populations to utilize, they come with obstacles and challenges. 

The City and County also have specific programs designed to help provide shelter during extreme climate events. To combat extreme heat events, the County of San Diego provides the Cool Zone program to all individuals located in the region. This is a network of free, air-conditioned settings across San Diego County, oftentimes located at libraries or community centers. Cool Zones allow older adults, persons with disabilities, or anyone looking to escape extreme heat events with a cool place to go (San Diego County). However, while there are around 30 cooling centers in San Diego County, many advocates claim that they are not as accessible as they seem. One obstacle in particular, is that the quantity of cooling zones dissipates in the North and East County. This can be incredibly frustrating for residents because these areas are oftentimes hotter, and especially during extreme heat events. Another obstacle is a lack of information about cooling centers. Many people who work with the homeless population explain how many of these individuals are not even aware of the occurrence of a heat event, let alone that cooling centers exist (Thorne, 2022). 

The City of San Diego also has the Inclement Weather Shelter Program (IWP), which provides additional shelter capacity during harsh weather conditions. Additional shelter services are provided through hotel/motel vouchers, which unhoused individuals can obtain by calling 211. The program is generally operated from November through March, but can be activated if certain conditions are met. These conditions include if the temperature is 50°F or below and there is a 40% chance of rain, if the temperature is 45°F or below regardless of chance of rain, and if there are exceptional weather conditions, such as one or more inches of rain within 24 hours and sustained high winds (The City of San Diego). 

Looking Ahead 

Overall, the intersection of extreme heat events and housing insecurity in San Diego County presents a multifaceted problem with implications for public health, social justice, and urban planning. The health impacts of heat waves, particularly on vulnerable populations like unhoused individuals, highlight the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address both the immediate health risks and the underlying issues contributing to housing insecurity. The high cost of living in San Diego County, driven by factors such as housing affordability, exacerbates the housing crisis and creates barriers for individuals and families. Gentrification further compounds these challenges, displacing original residents and contributing to the vulnerability of those experiencing housing insecurity, especially during extreme weather events.  Existing shelters and services play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of heat waves on unhoused individuals, but challenges such as a shortage of suitable beds, restrictive eligibility requirements, and limited accessibility persist. Efforts like the Cool Zone program and the Inclement Weather Shelter Program provide some relief, but there is a need for more accessible and widespread solutions, especially in areas with higher temperatures. Tackling the root causes of housing insecurity, improving the affordability of housing, and enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of shelter services are essential components of a comprehensive strategy to protect vulnerable populations from the adverse effects of extreme heat events in San Diego County.

Sources Cited