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Study identifies need for more coordination and resources to address heat risks for people experiencing homelessnes

C.J. Gabbe (ESS) and Jamie Suki Chang (UC Berkeley) published a paper on "Climate adaptation and people experiencing homelessness: Evaluating cross-sectoral and inter-jurisdictional collaborations to reduce extreme heat vulnerability" in the Journal of Urban Affairs, with research support from ESS student researchers Shea Mulqueeney '26 and Emma Young '24. The study included an analysis of 16 countywide and municipal plans and interviews with 16 stakeholders in Santa Clara County to better understand how jurisdictions are reducing heat vulnerability for unhoused populations. The study found that while there is some planning and coordination currently, key challenges include a lack of funding, organizational silos, and little tracking of health outcomes related to heat and homelessness.