Tricks of the Shade: Heat Related Coping Strategies of Urban Homeless Persons in Phoenix, Arizona
By Cory Sanchez
Some people noted that they would utilize modes of public transportation including the metro light rail system to cope with excessive temperatures. One man said, “So what I do? I always try to keep a bus ticket in my hand. Cause who has the best air in the city? That light rail. You gonna stay cool on that light rail. I never I never broke a sweat on that light rail yet. I go from Glendale to Mesa. Eh, and uh, and it be one hundred and two out and ten twelve degrees outside but, I never broke a sweat. Cause that light rail’s got good air. I just ride that light rail; a lot of guys do that too.”
Another man said, “Sometimes I’ll hop on the train when I don’t have any money, just to ride for the conditioner.”