Staff Reports | Community Updates
Phoenix Rescue Mission has launched its 14th annual Code:Red Summer Heat Relief Campaign, beginning May 1, aimed at assisting individuals experiencing homelessness and others at risk during extreme heat.
The campaign runs through Sept. 30 and focuses on collecting and distributing two million bottles of water, along with providing hygiene kits and other essential resources, according to a press release.
From May 1 through Sept. 30, the nonprofit is working to support people in need across the Valley and is seeking donations to assist with campaign efforts. During May, monetary donations will be matched up to $75,000 through contributions from supporters.
“Last year, for the second time in a row, the number of heat-related deaths in Maricopa County went down – from 608 deaths in 2024 to 427 deaths in 2025 – a 29.8% decrease,” Phoenix Rescue Mission Chief Executive Officer Ken Brissa said. “In that same year, we rescued 1,363 neighbors in need from being on the street, a 30.6% increase from 2024. We’re looking to keep the momentum of our direct street outreach, while doing what we can to ensure the number of heat-related deaths continues to decrease.”
This year, Phoenix Rescue Mission is working with partners across 18 cities. The organization maintains heat-related service contracts with Glendale, Scottsdale and Mesa, including transporting individuals to cooling centers and distributing water, hygiene kits and case management services.
During the 2025 Code:Red campaign, Phoenix Rescue Mission distributed 1,411,444 bottles of water, exceeding its goal of one million. The organization also distributed 12,500 “Hope Totes” containing personal hygiene items.
Donations can be dropped off at the Mission’s donation warehouse, 2515 N. 34th Drive in Phoenix. The organization also is seeking volunteers to assist with distributing food at its Hope for Hunger Food Bank in Glendale.
