The Surprise Resource Center, based at 12425 W. Bell Road, Building A, Suite No. 124, is partnering with St. Mary’s Food Bank to offer two food resources to the community.

They include:

• Emergency Food Boxes are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to noon Fridays from at the Surprise Resource Center. The food boxes consist of non-perishable items such as canned items, rice and beans. Those wishing to receive food are asked to bring a photo ID.
• Kidscafe breakfast and lunch meals are available from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays-Fridays for children 18 and under. An example of a lunch is bean and cheese burrito, carrots, applesauce, and milk.
  

The Surprise Resource Center also is a heat relief site, particularly for those experiencing homelessness, the elderly and households without access to adequate air conditioning.

Use the center as refuge from the heat, and receive water to hydrate during the hot summer months, during operating hours: From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays; from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; and from 8 a.m. to noon Fridays.

The Maricopa Association of Governments offers these tips to avoid heat-related illness:

• Increase fluid intake regardless of activity level. Staying hydrated is extremely important.
• Limit exercise or outdoor activity between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• When outdoors, wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15 and re-apply often. Wear a hat, lightweight clothing and sunglasses.
• Rest frequently in shady or cool areas to give the body’s temperature a chance to recover and cool down.
• Never leave adults, children or pets inside a parked vehicle.
• Respectfully check on elderly neighbors to make sure their air conditioning is working and in use. Take advantage of free air-conditioning by visiting locations like shopping malls, the library or other heat refuge locations provided on the map.
  

The Surprise and El Mirage Community Action Program Office provides support services that foster self-sufficiency and stability during unexpected financial crises by providing limited temporary assistance with utility and eviction prevention for qualifying Surprise and El Mirage residents. The CAP office is inside the resource center.

Residents seeking assistance will need to schedule an appointment and complete an application with a staff member.

The following information is required to complete the application:

• Social Security cards for all household members
• Documentation of U.S. Citizenship (birth certificate) or lawful residency of application
• Documentation of household income received in the last 30 days prior to and including the appointment date for all family members.
• Latest utility bills for gas and electrical usage of residence including shut off or disconnect notices.
• Documentation of rent or mortgage payment including delinquency, eviction or foreclosure notices.
• Appointments are required for program consideration. Individuals who need an appointment should call on Mondays at 8 a.m. and leave a message that includes the following: Address, including city and zip code, if there are children in the home, if there is someone with a disability living in the home, type of assistance requested and contact information
  

Program staff will respond to messages within 48 business hours, depending on the number of requests. Weekly appointments are limited and assistance is based on available funding.

Call and leave a message to schedule an appointment at 623-222-HOPE (4673).