Welcome to the First Friday Blog Series by The Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund (CLIHTF), where we share timely, relevant information to support our communities. As temperatures soar this summer, we’re kicking off July with tips, resources, and vital health insights to help you stay cool, safe, and supported in your home.
While Chicago’s Heat Ordinance requires landlords to provide heat during colder months (Sept. 15 – June 1), air conditioning is not legally required in apartments. However, since May 1, 2024, the City’s Cooling Ordinance mandates that:
- Residential buildings over 80 feet tall or with 100+ units must maintain at least one air-conditioned common area when the heat index exceeds 80°F.
If your building is not meeting this requirement, you can report it by calling 3-1-1.
Keeping Your Apartment Cool Without A/C
If you don’t have central air or a window unit, here are some low-cost ways to manage the heat:
- Close curtains or blinds to block direct sunlight.
- Use box or oscillating fans and place a bowl of ice in front to cool airflow.
- Limit stove or oven use—opt for cold meals or microwave alternatives.
- Take cool showers or wipe down with a damp cloth to lower your body temperature.
- Keep interior doors open to allow for airflow and cross-ventilation.
- Sleep on lower floors—heat rises, so basement or ground-level rooms stay cooler.
Health Dangers of Overheating
Heatwaves are not just uncomfortable—they can be dangerous, especially for:
- Seniors
- Young children
- Pregnant individuals
- People with chronic illnesses or disabilities
Warning signs of heat-related illness include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Headaches or dizziness
- Rapid heartbeat or confusion
Call 911 if someone shows symptoms of heat stroke—a medical emergency.
Hydration Is Essential
Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to protect your health in the heat. Make it a habit to:
- Drink at least 8–10 glasses of water a day.
- Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
- Keep a reusable water bottle with you at all times.
- Eat fruits and vegetables high in water like cucumbers, melons, and oranges.
Where to Go: Cooling Centers in Chicago
The City of Chicago operates cooling centers when extreme heat sets in. These locations are open to all:
- Garfield Community Service Center – 10 S. Kedzie Ave.
- Englewood Center – 1140 W. 79th St.
- King Center – 4314 S. Cottage Grove
- North Area Center – 845 W. Wilson Ave.
- South Chicago Center – 8650 S. Commercial Ave.
- Trina Davila Center – 4312 W. North Ave.
You can also use:
- Chicago Park District fieldhouses
- Local public libraries
- City Colleges buildings
- Police stations
Call 3-1-1 to find the nearest cooling center or to request a well-being check on a vulnerable resident.
At CLIHTF, we believe that safe, sanitary, and affordable housing is a right—not a luxury. Our mission is to help low-income individuals and families remain housed with dignity through rent subsidy programs and ongoing partnerships with property owners.
During extreme weather events like heatwaves, it’s even more critical that our residents feel protected and empowered in their homes. Through education, outreach, and advocacy, we are working to ensure that tenants and landlords alike have the tools they need to maintain healthy, livable spaces.
This blog is part of our First Friday Series, created to keep you connected with essential resources, housing tips, and stories from our community.
Be sure to check back the first Friday of each month—and spread the word to your neighbors and networks!
Together, we’ll keep Chicago cool, safe, and strong—one home at a time!