MONMOUTH AND OCEAN COUNTIES, NJ — As year after year, New Jersey continues to experience increasingly intense summer heat, HABcore Inc. is working to ensure its residents have safe, reliable cooling in their homes while supporting the findings of a new study examining the growing health risks of extreme heat.
The Jersey Shore’s largest provider of stable, supportive housing for families and individuals with special needs, HABcore concurs with the findings of the recently released
The report finds that New Jersey is warming faster than the rest of the nation while also having some of the oldest housing stock, where many low-income and heat-vulnerable residents live.
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For people living with chronic medical or mental health conditions, summer heat can be more than uncomfortable. Extreme temperatures can pose serious health risks, particularly for individuals whose medical conditions make it more difficult for their bodies to regulate temperature.
Earlier this summer, at least 29 deaths were attributed to people living without air conditioning, highlighting the potentially serious consequences of extreme heat and inadequate cooling.
HABcore owns, leases and manages 250 properties across Monmouth and Ocean counties, providing homes for approximately 500 people, including 150 children. Every household HABcore serves includes at least one person living with a chronic medical or mental health condition that makes it difficult to regulate body temperature, particularly during extreme temperatures such as this summer’s heatwaves.
For HABcore residents, the availability of reliable air conditioning can have a direct impact on their health and quality of life.
Mariah C., a single mother of two children with asthma, realized that her home’s HVAC system was not adequately addressing the air quality her children needed. HABcore arranged for professional HVAC cleaning to help mitigate the air quality concerns and avoid an emergency room trip for the children.
Her children are “breathing easier,” Mariah said.
Thomas S. also experienced the importance of having reliable air conditioning during the summer heatwave. “I was so glad to have a working AC during the heatwave. It kept my place cool and comfy, and it stopped the extreme heat from messing with my health.” Thomas is pictured below:
For Lindsey O., a new air conditioner has helped him better manage his chronic asthma while improving his sleep and energy. “I am able to handle my chronic asthma and I am breathing so much better with this new air conditioner. I’m able to sleep better and have the energy to care for myself and my cat, Huntress.” (Lindsey and Huntress are pictured below)
With the safety of its residents always at the forefront, HABcore launched the Cool Homes Campaign, an initiative focused on upgrading and repairing aging HVAC systems in its supportive housing properties.
HABcore staff had already made critical repairs and upgrades to aging cooling systems and replaced old window air-conditioning units. However, the organization said there is still more work to do.
While temperatures have cooled, historic weather data suggests more weeks of humid, hot weather are yet to come. Rapidly changing temperatures also require agencies such as HABcore to remain vigilant in providing reliable cooling and heating for residents throughout the year.
HABcore is seeking public support for the campaign, with a goal of raising $25,000 to complete critical HVAC repairs.
“With a goal of $25,000 toward completing critical HVAC repairs, HABcore is asking for public support. Donations mean more than a cooler home. It is peace of mind for a parent with an asthmatic child or a safer space for the elderly, babies and those with diabetes, autoimmune disease or mental illness,” said HABcore President & CEO Steve Heisman.
The Cool Homes Campaign reflects HABcore’s broader mission of providing stable, supportive housing while addressing the individual needs of the people who live in its homes.
As extreme weather becomes an increasing concern, ensuring that vulnerable residents have dependable heating and cooling is an important part of keeping supportive housing safe and healthy.
To learn more about the Cool Homes Campaign, the impact of excessive heat, housing and heat-vulnerable residents, visit HABcore.org.
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