Oppressive heat filling up cooling centers

The oppressive heat has sent many people to cooling centers wherever they can find them.

That includes the 83-year-old Seattle woman we told you about Sunday who feared she might not survive the triple-digit temperatures.

We heard from people offering air conditioners and even hotel rooms.

But one man said he can’t find a hotel room for 100 miles.

Janice Bjorklund is one of many who came here to the Greenwood Library seeking relief.

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This is how we found Bjorklund on this historically hot Monday sharing the cool of the Greenwood Library with a roomful of strangers.

We first met the 83-year-old on Sunday in the swelter of her home in the Green Lake Plaza apartments, with just a box fan running and a tray of melted ice in front of her.

Her biggest concern, she said, was “surviving, somehow.”

Able to get around with only a walker and suffering from a heart condition, Bjorklund said she implored the Seattle Housing Authority to install an air conditioner in her west-facing apartment.

“And then just getting, ‘No, can’t give you air conditioners,’” she said, reciting what she had been told. “‘But I’ve been telling everybody to get a fan, and it works fine.’ Duh!”

We talked to a spokeswoman for the Seattle Housing Authority.

“Unfortunately, we’re not able to install air conditioning into a lot of our units,” said Kerry Coughlin.  “The way the windows are set up, the power load on the building; there are lots of different reasons.”

Coughlin said they are providing cooling spaces inside buildings  and even offering special accommodations for those with special needs.

As for Bjorklund?

“She’s been in touch with property management,” said Coughlin.  “There’s been an exchange. She knows she’s got resources.”

But Bjorklund is not alone in looking for ways to beat the heat.  We found a couple seeking refuge in the South Park Library and making plans to avoid suffering in the summer temperatures in the future.

Stephan Ashley said that means getting an air conditioner for next time.

“It’s in the works; it’s in the works,” he said.  “It’s already in the works. Indeed, it is.”

A lot of people are no doubt feeling that way.

The message from the Seattle Housing Authority is not to suffer in silence.

Anyone needing help to get through this heat is encouraged to call the management.

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