Cooling Centers in Brooklyn Summer 2023

June 23, 2023   309

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Cooling Centers in Brooklyn Summer 2023

 

As the summer heatwaves become more frequent and intense due to climate change, cooling centers serve as critical lifelines for the residents of New York City, particularly in Brooklyn. The recent studies and experiences have illuminated the pressing need for more accessible and numerous cooling centers to ensure the safety and comfort of Brooklyn residents during the scorching summer months.

 

Heat Vulnerabilities in Brooklyn

 

New York City, with its concrete jungle and densely populated neighborhoods, is prone to high heat levels, especially during the summer months. Some neighborhoods suffer more than others due to factors such as fewer green spaces, the lack of air conditioning, and high population density.

 

The East Flatbush Situation

 

In particular, the East Flatbush neighborhood in Brooklyn has been identified as one of the most heat-vulnerable areas, with the city's highest heat vulnerability rating[1]. The rating takes into account various social and environmental factors, including poverty level, access to parks, and temperature.

 

The Risks of Heat Vulnerability

 

The dire consequences of heat vulnerability cannot be overstated. On average, around 370 New Yorkers succumb to heat-related health issues each year, a figure that is expected to rise substantially as global warming intensifies.

 

Existing Cooling Centers in Brooklyn

 

Despite the urgent need, East Flatbush only had two cooling centers open during the last heatwave, serving its population of 162,400 residents[1]. This number stands in stark contrast to other neighborhoods like Brownsville, which boasts 17.3 centers per 100,000 residents

 

Catholic Charities Senior Centers

 

In response to the high heat, Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens have designated their 17 senior centers throughout the boroughs as cooling centers, some with extended hours

Contact one of our Senior Centers below to find a Cooling Center near you. 

 

• Bayside Senior Center 221-15 Horace Harding Expwy Bayside, NY 11364 

(718) 225-1144 

 

• Catherine Sheridan Senior Center 35-24 83rd Street Jackson Heights, NY 11372 

(718) 458-4600 

 

• EXTENDED HOURS Dellamonica-Steinway Senior Center 23-56 Broadway Astoria, NY 11106 

(718) 626-1500

 

• Glenwood Senior Center 5701 Ave H Brooklyn, NY 11234

(718) 241-7711 

• EXTENDED HOURS Hillcrest Senior Center 168-01B Hillside Avenue Jamaica, NY 11432 

(718) 297-7171

•  EXTENDED HOURS Howard Beach Senior Center 155-55 Cross Bay Blvd Howard Beach, NY 11414 

(718) 738-8100 

 

• EXTENDED HOURS Narrows Senior Center 1230 63rd Street Brooklyn, NY 11219

(718) 232-3211 

 

• EXTENDED HOURS Northside Senior Center 179 North 6th Street Brooklyn, NY 11211

(718) 387-2316 

 

• Ozone Park Senior Center 103-02 101st Avenue Ozone Park, NY 11416 

(718) 847-2100 

 

• Pete McGuinness Senior Center 715 Leonard Street Brooklyn, NY 11222 

(718) 383-1940 

 

• EXTENDED HOURS Riverway Senior Center 230 Riverdale Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11212 

(718) 942-5345 

 

• Seaside Senior Center 320 Beach 94th Street Rockaway Beach, NY 11693 

(347) 926-4119

 

• St. Charles Jubilee Senior Center 55 Pierrepont Street Brooklyn, NY 11201

 (718) 855-0326  

 

• St. Louis Senior Center 230 Kingston Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11213 

(718) 771-7945 

 

• The Bay Senior Center 3643 Nostrand Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11229

 (718) 648-2053 

 

• The Lodge Senior Center 7711 18th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11214 

(718) 621-1081 

 

• Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Senior Center 89-02 91st Street Woodhaven, NY 11421 '

(718) 847-9200