NOW IS THE TIME FOR ACTION! GIVE WATER TO SAVE LIVES!
This year’s need is beyond the supply!
Have water and heat needs drives
Become a hydration or respite station or collection station
Be trained to do wellness checks
HEAT RELIEF NETWORK of Maricopa County is gearing up to prepare for summer heat and to prevent unnecessary deaths caused by heat. The two most vulnerable populations are the homeless and those of lower or fixed incomes. These individuals will turn off the refrigeration to save money and then perish from the effects of the heat.
The Heat Relief Network works on a 3-pronged approach that includes:
Hydration (locations that supply water and other needs for high heat periods such as clean clothes, hats, white socks, lip balm, sunscreen, etc.) Bottled water is also provided by individuals who canvas parks and neighborhoods to hand deliver the water to the homeless.
Respite – locations will be opened up around the Valley to allow the homeless to escape the heat by being inside in refrigeration during the day, normally from 8 AM to 5 PM, depending on the location and their volunteer force. This often includes snacks and perhaps a midday meal.
Wellness Checks – this includes for the homeless and for the homebound. Training is available on how to best do this. It includes checking in with your neighbors who are homebound to make sure they are staying cool, being hydrated and are generally staying healthy. However, it also includes checking with the homeless you see, especially if they are lying in the sun, not moving for extended periods of time or looking ill or incoherent.
Donate Water to Save Lives
In 2005, 21 people died in the Phoenix area IN ONE WEEK due to exposure to extreme temperatures. Another 13 died in the deserts of southern Arizona for the same reason. The one item that could have likely saved all their lives was WATER.
1. Go to the site below, print off the maps IN COLOR and post them at doors and on outside bulletins boards where the homeless may come. You can also ask local merchants to post these maps.
Hydration and Refuge Stations where the homeless can get out of the heat and/or pick up water:
http://www.mag.maricopa.gov/pdf/cms.resource/HS_2010-07-07_2010-Hydration-Stations-and-Refuge-Locations_v2_45711.pdf
Collection Centers to drop off water donations:
http://www.mag.maricopa.gov/pdf/cms.resource/HS_2010-07-07_2010-Collection-and-Donations-Sites_v2_80807.pdf
IF YOU ARE NOT ON THESE MAPS AND WISH TO BE, PLEASE CONTACT BRANDE MEAD AT (602) 452-5060, or bmead@mag.maricopa.gov TO BE INCLUDED.
Financial contributions can be made to the following by mail or drop off (receipts will be given):
John F. Long Family Services Center
3454 N. 51st Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85031
602-262-6510
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunnyslope Family Services Center
914 W. Hatcher Road
Phoenix, AZ 85021
602-495-5229
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Travis L. Williams Family Services Center
4732 S. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85040
602-534-4732
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2. If you see a homeless individual who appears to be in distress, call 911. Err on the side of caution in this! BE AWARE OF THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU THROUGHOUT THE DAY. Take special note of elderly or disabled family, friends and neighbors who may be having problems. Check in on them. Every year people die because they couldn’t pay for air conditioning and don’t keep themselves hydrated. Keep an eye on children playing in the neighborhood, pedestrians who may have been in the sun too long, people who appear to be sleeping in parked cars and others that appear to be have heat related problems.
3. If you see a homeless individual who has been in one spot for a prolonged period of time, who is sitting or sleeping in the sun or may be in other danger, but not in an emergency situation, call CONTACS at 602-263-8900. They have mobile teams who will be to the individual within a half hour (and usually less) to do a wellness check, help them get to a hydration or respite station, a shelter or a medical facility, depending on their needs.
IF YOUR DISTRIBUTION, HYDRATION OR RESPITE STATION NEEDS WATER, PLEASE CONTACT
Becky Franco at 602-261-8806 or by email to rebecca.franco@phoenix.gov.
If you want to volunteer for any of this work, please contact:
Tanya Algree, Salvation Army at tanya.algee@usw.salvationarmy.org
Duane Shearer, Hands on Greater Phoenix at duane@handsonphoenix.org
or by phone at 602.973.2212 x224
The Food Banks around the state are all collecting and storing donated water for distribution.
START COLLECTION DRIVES FOR THESE URGENT NEEDS
CLOTHING ITEMS
- Underwear and socks
- Summer clothing for children (gently used or new)
- Wash cloths
- Baseball hats (any hat to protect from the sun)
- Visors
- Shoes/sandals
- Sunglasses
HYGIENE ITEMS (Individual sizes preferred)
- Sunscreen lotion (small tear packets; higher SPF needed)
- Deodorant (solids/spray)
- Liquid soap
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Foot powder
MISC. ITEMS
- Bottled water
- Reusable ice packs
- Sheets
- Water thermoses
- Backpacks, totebags, etc.