Climate change, pandemic make it harder to escape high temps

By Lindsay Street

It's another unexpected consequence of the coronavirus pandemic: Charleston's infamous, sweltering heat is now nearly inescapable for those relying on public spaces for air conditioning access.

"It's a concern that needs to be talked about," Uplift Charleston organizer Aaron Comstock said. "I'm praying every day (homeless people and those without air conditioning) have a breeze where they're at, that they can go somewhere in the air conditioning."

A rise in evictions nationwide is expected in the coming months as pandemic-related layoffs continue and unemployment insurance is set to decrease July 31, and federal protections against some evictions have expired. And that could mean more homeless people who are unable to access cooled spaces.

"You're going to see a rise in homelessness," Comstock said, adding that Charleston's homeless population is already increasing in number. "Once these protections start dwindling, people are going to be evicted more. People will lose their housing."

More than books

Public libraries have been a place of refuge for homeless people or people without air conditioning in the South.

Charleston County Public Library Deputy Director of Innovation Natalie Hauff said libraries are known to be unofficial cooling spots for the homeless.

"Generally, we know we do serve a population and that speaks to our accessibility. We always promote that we are open to everyone," Hauff said. "Libraries are such an open space and we are all about accessibility so it pains us that we can't have the entire community inside (right now during the pandemic)."

Charleston County libraries began limited curbside service beginning June 8, but branches remain closed otherwise.

"It could be awhile before we could be open like we used to be," Hauff said. "As far as public space and that kind of relief from the heat, unfortunately, the library isn't going to be a place we can have that (right now)."

One80 Place Director of Development Marco Corona said homeless people also find unofficial cooling centers at fast food diners, big box retailers and others.

"We know that individuals have a way to figure it out, but we understand the pandemic has restricted access to a lot of those buildings," Corona said.