Community Experiences

Maria de Jesus Lopez, 91, had long struggled with extreme heat in her South San home, where faulty air conditioning made summer nights unbearable. Her daughter, Sara Cano, often worried about her mother’s health as indoor temperatures sometimes reached 108 degrees. 

Through the South San Heat Resilience Project, led by the City of San Antonio’s Department of Resilience and Sustainability in partnership with Fuerza Unida and Adaptation International, Maria received a new mini-split air conditioner. Sara says it has brought relief and peace of mind. Their story highlights how DRS’s community-focused programs protect residents from the dangers of urban heat.

Maria de Jesus Lopez, 91, said of her new air conditioner:

“It’s made a big difference. I can finally sleep at night without worrying about the heat.”

Her daughter, Sara Cano, added, “I feel relieved knowing my mom is safe now. It’s a huge help for our family.” The project, led by the City’s Department of Resilience and Sustainability, demonstrates how community-driven solutions can provide immediate relief and long-term strategies for neighborhoods facing extreme heat.