During Code:Red months, when temperatures soar into the triple digits, life on the streets goes from unbearable to deadly. Homeless men, women, and children in our community urgently need your help to survive the blistering summer heat …
During Code:Red months, when temperatures soar into the triple digits, life on the streets goes from unbearable to deadly. Homeless men, women, and children in our community urgently need your help to survive the blistering summer heat …
Extreme Heat Hurts Homeless Neighbors the Most
Last summer, extreme heat killed 339 of our neighbors in Maricopa County – at least 130 of them homeless. The danger disproportionately targets Phoenix's most vulnerable populations: seniors, those with disabilities, and homeless people.
“110-115 degrees. It gets that hot and even hotter. It’s too hot to sleep. Too hot to do anything. I’m surprised I’ve even survived.”
Killer Heat
An investigation conducted by the Arizona Republic revealed that an expanding urban heat island is creating blistering temperatures across Maricopa County. There are now six extra weeks of triple-digit days compared to a century ago.
During the height of summer, even nighttime temperatures can hover in the triple digits. Our homeless neighbors need cool, refreshing water to stabilize their core body temperature, and without someplace to escape from the blazing Phoenix summer heat, they are at risk of serious illness — even death!
How the body responds to extreme temperatures
The Brain and Nervous SystemIn Phoenix’s intense summer heat, one’s body temperature can rise in minutes. Anything above 104 degrees is dangerous for the brain and can cause:
- dizziness
- throbbing headache
- fainting
- confusion
- unconsciousness
Feet and Other ExtremitiesPhoenix pavement can hit 170 degrees in the hottest time of day causing:
- painful swelling of the feet
- an unsafe rise in the body’s temperature
The Heart and Circulatory SystemIf a homeless neighbor already suffers from high blood pressure and heart disease, heat can be the death of them. Heat can send an already overworked heart into crisis, indicated by:
- rapid pulse
- shallow breathing
- red, hot, dry skin
Stomach and IntestinesIn extreme heat our bodies need 4 liters of water a day, twice the normal amount. The combination of Phoenix heat and a lack of adequate water can cause:
- cramps in the abdomen and legs
- nausea
- vomiting
Through your support of Phoenix Rescue Mission, you can rescue homeless men, women, and children from the sweltering streets this summer.
— Source: Arizona Department of Health Services
Be Part of the Solution – Virtually
Want to get your friends or organization involved in providing our vulnerable neighbors with solutions to get them off of the streets?
Our LIGHT THE WAY Fundraising is an easy-to-use tool to create a personal fundraiser or a virtual collection drive!
Our Code:Red Summer Heat Relief campaign page makes it easy for you to create your own page, set your personal goal, and invite friends.
Give relief from deadly summer heat
$200 offers shelter from
$120 provides fresh showers,
$65 provides cold water, nutritious food, and hope. Because we buy goods in bulk at reduced prices, your dollars are stretched to the limit to care for our homeless neighbors. Thank you for supporting Phoenix Rescue Mission and investing in lives!
“There's really nothing like summertime on the streets. You can't even catch a break at night because it could still be 100 degrees. If I had stayed out there much longer, I probably would have died. Thankfully, God had other plans.”
- Robert, Transformations Program Graduate
Want to conduct a water drive?
Want to rally the troops and run a water drive of your own? Call (602) 346-3347 or contact gikhelp@phxmission.org to see how it works and what you need to know.
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