How Rising Temperatures Impact Our Community—and the Resources That Can Help
Extreme heat is becoming one of the most serious seasonal threats facing communities across the United States. According to the CDC, an average of over 700 people die in the United States ever year due to heat exposure. That number continues to rise, especially across southern states and increasingly here in Nebraska as summer temperatures climb.
Heat doesn’t just make people uncomfortable; it can quickly become dangerous. Understanding how extreme temperatures affect the body, who is most at risk, and what resources are available can help prevent serious illness, hospitalization, or even death.
How Extreme Heat Affects the Body
Our bodies are designed to regulate temperature, primarily through sweating. But when temperatures climb too high, this system becomes overwhelmed.
Heidar Al Hindawe, Care Coordination Team Supervisor at LFS, explained, “When the temperature is too high, we see a lot of people suffering from dizziness, vomiting, weakness, and sometimes cramps. Because when you’re losing fluid, you also lose electrolytes.”
When dehydration worsens, organs begin to fail:
- Kidneys may stop functioning properly (“people always say they’re not peeing”).
- Heart and blood pressure become unstable.
- Mental status changes, including confusion or altered consciousness, can occur as the nervous system becomes affected.
Once the body can no longer compensate, core temperature rises rapidly—often above 104°F—leading to heat stroke, a life-threatening emergency.
Who Is Most at Risk?
While extreme heat affects everyone, certain groups face significantly greater danger:
- Individuals with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or kidney disease
- Infants and young children, whose temperature regulation systems are still developing
- Pregnant women
- Adults over 65
- People without homes or shelter
- Low-income households that are unable to maintain cooling systems or pay utility bills
As Al Hindawe noted, “More than 50% of clients requesting case management have two main concerns: housing and utility bills.” He explained that without stable housing or functioning air conditioning, heat exposure becomes unavoidable.
Planning Ahead: Daily and Seasonal Heat Safety
Al Hindawe emphasized that the most effective heat protection strategy is planning.
Daily Planning
- Check weather forecasts and heat advisories before leaving home.
- Adjust travel or outdoor work times to avoid peak heat.
- Ensure your vehicle’s HVAC system is functioning.
- Carry water at all times to stay hydrated.
Seasonal Planning
For households with limited budgets, preparing for summer heat requires early action:
- Explore weatherization programs that help with insulation, windows, and cooling systems.
- Contact urban development programs for home repair or improvement assistance. LFS’ Healthy Housing Program may be of assistance if you meet certain income requirements.
- Apply for utility support programs before bills become overwhelming.
Cooling Centers: A Lifeline for People Without Shelter
For individuals experiencing homelessness or living in spaces without cooling, local cooling centers provide essential relief.
In Lincoln, for example, nearly all libraries act as cooling shelters during extreme heat. Each city maintains its own list of cooling centers, typically available on municipal websites.
These centers offer safe, air-conditioned environments where people can rest, rehydrate, and avoid dangerous heat exposure.
Call 211 – For assistance finding cooling centers.
Lincoln Cooling Centers – A comprehensive list of cooling centers in Lincoln
Omaha Cooling Centers – A comprehensive list of cooling centers in Omaha
Financial Assistance for Utilities and Housing
Extreme heat doesn’t just threaten health—it threatens housing stability. When utility bills spike, many families face disconnection or eviction.
Fortunately, several programs exist to help:
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
Provides assistance with cooling in summer and heating in winter. Eligibility varies, especially for winter heating, but low‑income families can benefit significantly.
Region 5 Resources
Supports individuals with mental health or substance use disorders by paying outstanding utility bills and reconnecting services.
Local Churches & Community Organizations
Groups such as St. Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army, and Community Action Programs often help cover utility bills when funds are available.
League of Human Dignity
Assists elderly individuals by improving home environments—sometimes including temperature regulation, insulation, or window repair.
LFS Healthy Housing Program (Douglas County)
The LFS Healthy Housing program provides limited home improvements for clients with health conditions such as asthma, including:
- Window repair
- Roof repair
- Temperature regulation improvements
How Many People Receive Help?
LFS also provides support to help prevent homelessness, which itself increases heat exposure risk. Al Hindawe said, “If they are not able to get their rent paid on time, they would be homeless… and then they get the heat again.”
During June alone, LFS case managers assisted 17 individuals across Lincoln, Omaha, Fremont, and surrounding areas with applications for benefits such as LIHEAP, rental assistance, and utility support.
This number reflects only one category of service—many more clients receive help with housing, legal needs, education, and other supports that indirectly protect them from extreme heat.
Protecting Our Community Starts with Awareness and Access
Extreme heat is a growing threat, but with proper planning, community resources, and support systems, we can reduce the risks for vulnerable individuals and families.
From cooling centers to utility assistance to housing stabilization, organizations like LFS and its partners play a critical role in keeping people safe during Nebraska’s hottest months.
As temperatures rise heading into August, now is the time to share these resources widely, encourage proactive planning, and ensure every household knows where to turn for help.
Learn more About Lutheran Family Services and the many programs offered to assist those in Nebraska.
