During Code:Red months, with temps in 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 …
Water Drop-Off Locations
Your donations of life-giving water are welcome at these locations. Stop by today. Every drop helps!
Want to conduct a water drive?
Want to rally the troops and run a water drive of your own? Call (602) 346-3347 or click here to see how it works and what you need to know.
Give relief from deadly summer heat
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 the Phoenix Rescue Mission and investing in lives!
“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.”
Ride Along on the Hope Coach
Volunteer on our Hope Coach van to travel the streets of Phoenix and care for homeless men, women, and families. You can bring water, encouragement, and essential items to:
- People who need help but don’t yet know about the Mission.
- Those who cannot make it to the Mission on their own.
- Struggling neighbors whose only source of help is the Hope Coach.
Killer Heat
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 200 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
In Arizona, an average of 118 people die every year from excessive heat. 95% of those deaths occur between May and September. Without someplace to escape from the blazing Phoenix summer heat, our homeless neighbors are at risk of serious illness — even death!
— Source: Arizona Department of Health Services
Our most vulnerable population
The elderly, especially those already suffering from illnesses, are the most vulnerable to excessive heat. They often don’t consume enough liquids and their bodies don’t regulate temperature as they should.
Last year more than 40 heat-related deaths were attributed to senior citizens, who expired in homes where the temperature exceeded 90 degrees. “110, 115 degrees. It gets that hot here, and even hotter,” Dave says. “I’m surprised I even survived it. I almost gave up a few times.”
Your support helps reach these most vulnerable neighbors with water, food, and the special attention they need during the hot summer months.
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