The Arizona Coyotes are partnering with Tempe agencies to benefit the area’s homeless as the heat in Phoenix begins to rise. 

For those experiencing homelessness or from underserved communities, a rise in summer temperatures leaves many susceptible to heat illness and even heat-related death. In 2021 alone, more than 300 individuals died due to heat related issues in Maricopa County. With that, the need for water donations rises for community assistance groups like Tempe Community Action Agency. 

TCAA sees more than 7,000 visitors to its Oasis Drop-In Center during those summer months to pass out food and water and overall services more than 38,000 from the Tempe area per year. As the Coyotes start their next chapter at ASU in Tempe, the organization and its partners are looking to make an impact to assist TCAA in their support of the Tempe community at large. 

So, the Arizona Coyotes are hosting a water drive on May 21 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Escalante Community Center, located at 2150 E. Orange Street. The drive is in partnership with Tempe Fire Medical Rescue and Better Business Bureau serving the Pacific Southwest. The Coyotes hope to gather more than 5,000 bottles to support TCAA’s Oasis Drop-In Center where critical resources are provided, including water, to the unhoused and underserved.

Tempe Fire will have fire trucks on site and will be distributing summer safety educational resources for families. Arizona Coyotes mascot Howler will also be in attendance to pass out Coyotes merchandise to those donating water and cheering everyone on for their generosity.