Feeling the Heat: Navigating Extreme Weather,Mobility,and Routines of the Unhoused and Unsheltered

Abstract

This study examines the intersection of extreme heat, mobility, and daily routines in the lives of unsheltered people experiencing homelessness (PEH). As climate change intensifies, the increasing frequency and severity of extreme heat events pose significant health risks, particularly for PEH who rely on public spaces and transit systems to meet their basic needs. Utilizing qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews with 41 PEH in Broward County, this study explores the unique challenges they face in managing extreme heat, maintaining mobility, and structuring their day-to-day activities. The findings highlight the profound effects of heat on both physical and mental health, as well as the ways in which mobility constraints exacerbate these impacts. This research underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions, such as accessible cooling resources and flexible transit options, alongside more inclusive public policies that account for the lived realities of this vulnerable population.