Heat, Housing, and Human Risk: Lessons from the Home Forward Temperature Assessment

In June 2021, a deadly heat dome hovered over Oregon, killing about 70 people in in Multnomah County and 100 statewide. The event led several agencies—including the Portland Bureau Emergency Management, the Multnomah County Health Department and Portland’s housing authority, Home Forward—to partner on better understanding the heat exposure risks of people living in affordable housing.

In 2022 and 2023, the Home Forward Indoor Temperature Assessment gathered temperature data from sensors installed in public housing units, as well as information from residents about how they were weathering the heat. The project resulted in a number of findings that can be applied broadly wherever heat and housing are issues.

Join project leaders as they discuss what they learned from the temperature data and what residents shared about their heat-related perceptions, experiences, and coping strategies. Speakers will also discuss resident-informed recommendations for emergency, health, and housing agencies.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar.