¡Que Calor! Historias de Nuestros Trabajadores

A Climate Justice Campaign by Healthy Little Havana

Outdoor workers, from street vendors and landscapers to postal carriers and unhoused neighbors, are the backbone of Little Havana. As climate change intensifies, so do the dangers they face: heat stroke, dehydration, displacement, and more.

¡Que Calor! Historias de Nuestros Trabajadores is a community-powered campaign that uses art, education, and advocacy to bring visibility to these everyday risks—and to fight for real protections. Through visual storytelling, public awareness, community education, and policy & advocacy, we will shine light on the dangers of Extreme Heat.

A culminating photographic exhibition showcasing our campaign images and worker testimonials will take place later this year. Stay tuned for details on how to attend and support!

Resident Stories

  • Andrea Martinez

    40 years old Street Flower Vendor Ecuador

  • Julio César López Urbina

    37 years old Roofer Nicaragua

  • Maria Toro

    76 years old Street Crossing Guard Venezuela

  • Octavio Chavarría

    48 years old Construction Worker Nicaragua

  • Yancey Pérez

    43 years old Consruction Site Cleaner Cuba

Stay Safe in the Heat

As Miami temperatures rise, so do the health risks, especially for outdoor workers, older adults, children, and people with health conditions. Extreme heat means temperatures above 90°F for two or more days, often paired with high humidity. It’s the deadliest weather-related threat in the U.S.

  • Watch for symptoms of heat-related illness:

    • Heat Cramps: Muscle pain or spasms.

      What to do: Rest in a cool place. Drink water or a sports drink. Get help if the cramps last over an hour.

    • Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, headache, or fainting.

      What to do: Move to an air-conditioned place. Loosen clothing. Drink cool fluids. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

    • Heat Stroke: Body temp above 103°F, red dry skin, confusion, or loss of consciousness.

    • What to do: Call 9-1-1 immediately. Cool the person with water or a fan until help arrives.

    • Find air conditioning or visit a cooling center.

    • Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol or sugary drinks.

    • Wear light, breathable clothing.

    • Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

    • Check on elderly neighbors and relatives.

    • Never leave people or pets in parked cars.

  • Join the Next Climate Leadership Hub
    Offered by our partner organization, Sachamama, this fully accredited course through Florida International University, equips climate advocates with the leadership skills and tools to drive meaningful community action.

    To learn more about the Climate Hub and to enroll, click here.

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  • Climate change can feel overwhelming, but meaningful change starts at home and in our neighborhoods. Every choice we make, from how we eat to how we move through our city, can reduce our environmental impact. The key is progress, not perfection. Start small, build habits, and share what you learn.

    Here are some of the most effective steps you can take, ranked by impact:

    1. Reduce Food Waste. Buy only what you need, store food properly, and compost scraps when possible.

    2. Eat More Plant-Based Meals. Shifting to a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes reduces emissions and supports better health.

    3. Switch to Solar. If you own your home or influence your building, investing in solar can dramatically cut your carbon footprint.

    4. Cool Smarter. Use energy-efficient A/C units, close curtains during the hottest parts of the day, and seal leaks in your home.

    5. Drive Electric or Hybrid. If you’re in the market for a car, consider one that produces fewer emissions.

    6. Use LED Lighting. LEDs last longer and use far less energy than traditional bulbs.

    7. Limit Solo Car Trips. Walk, bike, carpool, or take transit whenever possible.

    8. Conserve Water. Fix leaks, install low-flow fixtures, and be mindful of outdoor watering.

    9. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Choose reusable items, shop secondhand, and recycle correctly.

    10. Speak Up and Get Involved. Advocate for clean air, green space, safer streets, and climate-resilient policies in your community.

    For more ideas, explore Project Drawdown, a global resource on climate solutions that work.

Healthy Little Havana’s Que Calor Project is funded by Allegany Franciscan Ministries’ Climate Justice and Care for Creation Grant, in collaboration with Sachamama.

For more information, contact Islaraxs@healthylittlehavana.org