On the heels of the Phoenix area hitting 31 days of temperatures above 110 degrees, Valley organizations have been stepping up to continue to provide aid and shelter for as long as they can.
Maricopa County saw an 82% increase in heat-related deaths during the last two years — 85 deaths in 2015 and 155 deaths in 2017, according to the Maricopa County Public Health Department.
That’s where organizations like St. Vincent de Paul have stepped up by opening their doors for extended heat relief hours at three dining room locations in downtown Phoenix, the city’s Sunnyslope area and Mesa. In addition to air-conditioned spaces, St. Vincent de Paul’s heat relief locations operate as hydration stations, heat refuge locations and relief collection sites.
“We primarily operate three shelters and five dinning rooms for the homeless and a resource center for folks to shower and reach case managers. In the summer months, we operate heat-relief centers through the Valley, with a water truck that goes around and provides resources,” said Danielle McMahon, associate chief operations officer for SVdP.
Their heat-relief operations will run through Sept. 30. Although each cooling center may provide different services, the overall amenities include ice water, snacks, emergency food box deliveries, and rent and utility assistance to keep families out of the heat and in their homes.
Heat-relief operations also include an emergency overnight heat relief shelter inside the organization’s Phoenix dining room on the human services campus 320 W. Watkins Road. SVdP’s other 24/7 heat relief shelter and housing program on 28th and Washington street is by agency referral only.
“Heat relief for folks is kind of like a quiet time for people to escape and get some rest since it’s so hot outside. It’s often difficult for folks to sleep if they are unsheltered. At nighttime temperatures are still aren’t even dropping below 90 degrees,” McMahon said.
Inside some cooling centers are case managers for housing and health services as well as engaging entertainment such as movies or shows and games for guests. McMahon stated services across the board have gone up and this includes heat relief.
“Last year there were 425 heat related deaths. Not all of these were those experiencing homelessness but a significant number were,” McMahon said.
To operate these services, the organization needs volunteers and resources.
“We always need volunteers and we see that shortage in the summer months, cause those fortunate to be housed want to stay in the cool. The same goes for resources,” McMahon said.
Salvation Army volunteers hand out water and supplies to protect against the heat.(Courtesy of The Salvation Army Southwest Division)
Rolling out emergency relief
The Salvation Army in Phoenix rolled out relief stations across the Valley in 11 location that are open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on any day the National Weather Service issues an excessive heat warning. They provide relief in Avondale, Chandler, Glendale, Mesa and Phoenix.
Lt. Col. Ivan Wild, commander of the organization’s Southwest division, said this year has been particularly challenging for those unsheltered.
“This heat wave is actually more excessive heat days back to back then last year. We’re actually seeing a lot more people coming into our centers. Last year we distributed somewhere around 350 bottles of water a day and the last few weeks we’ve given out an estimated 600 bottles a week,” Wild said.
In addition to this he stated that the centers have become closer to capacity and that guests have continued their stay.
The Salvation Army is asking for donations of unopened water bottles and non-perishable items could be donated at their centers. As well as cash donations to help support those with basic supplies for those staying inside the cooling centers.
Like most dangerous weather phenomenons, the Salvation Army has a guide to protecting those who may be at risk to weather related injuries. They roll out what they call “Project Hope.”
“When we have extreme weather conditions advisory, we mobilize teams that go out to areas where there might be unsheltered people, where they are unable to get to a cooling center and we make sure they are hydrated,” Wild said.
He shared that excessive heat has led the city of Phoenix to provide free rides through Lyft to give the unsheltered a chance to relocate to a nearby cooling center. He encouraged everyone to look out for each other.
“Check in on your neighbor. Let people know that the Salvation Army has cooling centers and if you are aware of a situation, let us know so we can get some water there. If you’re going out have a bottle of water for yourself and bring another just in case you meet someone who may need it. And as a community I wanted to thank everyone for the turnout of the heat drive by making donations of bottled water,” Wild said.
For information visit salvationarmyphoenix.org.
Frank Espinoza
Reporter | Daily Independent
fespinoza@iniusa.org
Frank Espinoza is a recent graduate of Northern Arizona University from the beginning of 2022. He prides himself on covering topics that give a spotlight to individuals or groups who give back to the community. He has covered local sports, community events, and important issues that impact the state. In his spare time, he loves to watch Street League Skateboarding and hang out at Cowtown Skateboards in Goodyear.
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