Community Climate Survey Report
Extreme heat and wildfire smoke pose significant health risks to residents of San Francisco, particularly older individuals, those with fewer resources, and the unhoused. Our community survey, co-developed with community-based organizations (CBOs), local government, and other members of our community stakeholder group representing diverse neighborhoods, highlighted the health impacts and emergency preparedness needs among vulnerable populations. During extreme weather events, participants experienced fatigue, breathing issues, headaches, and dehydration, with non-English speakers reporting heightened concerns. To cope, people drank water, wore lighter clothes, and limited sun exposure for heat, while for smoke, they closed windows, stayed indoors, and used masks. However, access to respite centers was limited, especially for the unhoused, due to location and transportation issues. While half of the survey participants had sufficient supplies, the unhoused population indicated lower levels of preparation and faced the most challenges. Building modifications were rare due to cost and housing instability. Air conditioning or filtration use was low, and community outreach during extreme weather events was minimal. Improvements in weatherization for all housing types and expanded outreach to vulnerable populations, especially the unhoused, are crucial for future interventions.
Collaborative Community Partners
The mission of NICOS Chinese Health Coalition is to enhance the health and well-being of the San Francisco Chinese community. The coalition fulfills its mission through research, training, advocacy, coalition-building and program implementation.
For decades, the Coalition on Homelessness has developed the leadership skills of homeless San Franciscans to forge true solutions to the housing crisis and beat back mean-spirited attacks against them.
Since 1966, Self-Help for the Elderly has provided assistance and support to seniors in the San Francisco area. We provide trustworthy and devoted care for seniors to promote their independence, dignity and self-worth.
Rafiki Coalition’s mission is to eliminate health inequities in San Francisco’s Black and marginalized communities through education, advocacy, and by providing holistic health and wellness services in a culturally affirming environment.
Leaders4E.A.R.T.H. is a youth-founded and led working group focusing on leadership development through a social and environmental justice lens that approaches grassroots community organizing through education and youth-led engagement to promote healthy and thriving communities within the environmental movement.
Golden Gate Senior Services’ mission is to maintain and improve the well-being of older adults and adults with disabilities. Our neighborhood-based centers, the Richmond and Castro Senior Centers, foster healthy aging through activities, nutrition, education and friendship.
Southwest Community Corporation provides quality enriched, culturally appropriate programming and access to services based in Lakeview/Oceanview- Merced Heights-Ingleside communities in San Francisco.
GM Consulting Ggroup's mission is to connect, empower, and heal systematically excluded communities to create a healthier, sustainable, equitable and inclusive world by honoring each client's mission through strategic community engagement efforts.
The San Francisco Department of Health (SFDPH) aims to protect and promote health and well-being in San Francisco.
The Office of Resilience and Capital Planning promotes the preservation and sustainability of San Francisco’s public capital assets and the city’s overall resilience to acute shocks and chronic stresses. Part of the Office of the City Administrator, the Office of Resilience and Capital Planning oversees policies, programs, interagency initiatives, and financial strategies that support the resilience of the City’s infrastructure and the people who rely on it.