Cooling Room at Lloyd Center: September Relief for a Late-Summer Heatwave

As summer drew to a close, Portland wasn’t quite finished with the heat. The September 2024 heatwave brought another reminder that extreme weather doesn’t always follow the calendar. Lloyd EcoDistrict once again activated its Cooling Room at the Lloyd Center mall, offering a much-needed refuge during the intense heat on September 5th and 6th. Over two days, we served 127 guests, providing a cool, comfortable space to escape the high temperatures.

A Community Response to Late-Season Heat

Even in the earlier days of September, the heat can still be dangerous, especially for vulnerable residents. This time, our cooling room was more than just a pop-up emergency service — it was a community hub. In collaboration with the Lloyd Center and supply support from Multnomah County Emergency Management, we transformed a storefront into a space where people could recharge, both physically and mentally.

The volunteer spirit remained strong, with dedicated volunteers contributing time and energy to ensure that our guests were comfortable and well cared for. (Also, a special shout-out to Star Tropics, a locally owned and operated pinball museum in the Lloyd Center for offering free passes to our volunteers).

Comfort, Cooling, and Connection

From cold drinks to comforting snacks, we provided all the essentials to help guests weather the heat. Over the two days, we handed out:

• 219 bottles of water
• 334 electrolyte packets
• 50 Otter pops
• 85 hot ramen soups
• 32 cooling towels
• An array of snacks, including energy bars and fruit cups

Whether stopping by for a quick cool-down or staying for several hours, attendees could relax, charge their devices, or simply enjoy a moment of calm in the midst of the heatwave.

Beyond Cooling: A Space for Care

While our primary mission was to provide relief from the heat, this event also reinforced the importance of building community resilience. As temperatures continue to rise, creating safe spaces like these becomes increasingly critical. It wasn’t just about cooling down; it was about building connections, fostering care, and ensuring that no one faces these climate challenges alone.

We’re proud to continue our Extreme Heat Response efforts and deeply grateful to our volunteers and partners for their ongoing support. Together, we’re making sure the Lloyd community is better prepared for these increasingly common late-season heatwaves.

Looking Ahead

Last week’s heatwave, happening in what is traditionally a cooler time, reminded us just how important cooling spaces are. While Lloyd EcoDistrict activates spaces for cooling during extreme heat events, making multifamily housing more resilient and prepared for future heat waves is paramount.

For property owners and managers of multifamily properties, Energy Trust of Oregon offers valuable resources and incentives to create safe cooling spaces for residents. Their guide highlights energy-efficient solutions and financial support to help ensure that housing complexes are equipped to handle extreme heat, protecting vulnerable populations in the process. By making these long-term investments, we can reduce the strain during heatwaves and build a more resilient community.

As we reflect on this year’s heat events, we remain committed to growing our response efforts and supporting these kinds of proactive solutions. Together with partners like Energy Trust of Oregon, Multnomah County Emergency Management, Portland Bureau of Emergency Management, and Lloyd EcoDistrict will continue to adapt, prepare, and build community as our summers become hotter.

Thank you to everyone who made this event a success. Whether through volunteering, donating supplies, or simply stopping by, your involvement keeps the Lloyd community strong.

Stay prepared, stay connected, and stay cool, Lloyd!

For more details on heat safety and preparation, visit our Heat Emergency Resource Page.