SUMMER HEAT IN OUR CITY HIT THE MOST VULNERABLE THE HARDEST

Summers in our city have become unbearable. The recent heat wave reminds us that heat hits those with the least the hardest.  Cornerstone Housing for Women, Ottawa’s largest provider of shelter and supportive housing for vulnerable women and gender-diverse people, takes heat waves seriously.

Ottawa’s downtown can be especially hot in the summer as the city is marked by tons of cement, asphalt, and tall buildings. Dark surfaces absorb heat during the day, buildings trap it, and there are stretches where things never really cool off.

For those of us with a home, there are many ways we can manage and comfort ourselves- air conditioning, being in our basement, enjoying a fan, an ice-cold beverage from our fridge or freezer, a cold shower. For people who are sleeping outside, there are no cold drinks, no fans, no air conditioning. Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke become daily risks.

In 2025, there were more than 1700 women experiencing homelessness in our city. The face of homelessness is changing. The population we are seeing grow fastest is senior women- vulnerable people who never thought they would be without a home in their lives. Senior women who are now navigating shelters and street conditions their bodies were never meant to endure. For folks who are gender-diverse, it adds additional complexity. Some of these individuals may not feel comfortable going to certain public places for bathroom or air-conditioning relief because those places may not be accessible to them. Therefore, they may choose to stay in the heat over risking mistreatment.

Summer is also a season of hidden violence. Research consistently links higher temperatures to increases in gender-based violence. When violence happens, women flee; often with nothing. At our emergency shelter, we are full every day. On busy days, we have to turn away anywhere from 1 to 4 women or gender diverse individuals seeking shelter.

This is why our work matters so much, and why we do it with intention. Our women’s shelter is truly for women and gender-diverse people, and it’s not just a place to sleep. In these recent heat waves, it can be the difference between survival and harm; a cool, safe, affirming place.

During heat waves, Cornerstone prioritizes the wellness of our residents and anyone who needs our help. We hand out water bottles, freezes, and ice packs, plus we are the only shelter that does not ask residents to leave during the day so they are able to stay inside the cool building. However, for those women and gender-diverse people staying on the streets are more at risk of heat stroke, exhaustion, and violence. The heat won’t wait, and neither can we.

If you see someone staying on the streets during Ottawa’s brutal heat waves and in need of help, we kindly ask that you give them water if you’re able to or contact 3-1-1 to access services in the city for our vulnerable neighbours.

As the heat rises, so do our needs. To help women and gender diverse people survive the heat this summer, we rely heavily on monetary donations and donations of towels, handheld fans, batteries, sunscreen, lip balm, and water bottles. This summer, please keep our neighbours experiencing homelessness in mind.


Anne Marie Hopkins,
Executive Director