Staff Reports | Community Updates
UMOM New Day Centers reported that demand for its Summer Family Heat Relief program has significantly exceeded initial projections as the organization works to provide emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness during the summer months.
The program, launched this year in partnership with the City of Phoenix, provides families with children access to emergency shelter, meals, hygiene supplies and on-site support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The initiative was created to address the lack of overnight options for families when temperatures remain high after cooling centers close, according to a press release.
Unlike many heat relief programs that operate only during daytime hours, Summer Family Heat Relief offers around-the-clock shelter throughout the summer season.
UMOM’s original agreement with the City of Phoenix anticipated serving approximately 50 families during the summer. As of Aug. 25, however, the program had served 222 households comprising 757 individuals, including 449 children.
At its current pace, UMOM expects to serve more than 300 families, or more than 1,000 individuals, before the program concludes. The City of Phoenix has expanded support for the initiative as demand has increased, while UMOM continues to work with community partners to help offset program costs.
“This program exists because of city leaders who have been responsive at every turn, adjusting funding mid-summer when the data showed families needed more than any of us initially projected,” said Monique Lopez, CEO of UMOM New Day Centers.
“That kind of flexibility reflects a broader relationship we’re proud of. Whether it’s emergency heat relief this summer, or the City’s support in helping us open affordable housing complexes like La Esperanza Terrace. The City of Phoenix has been a genuine partner across the full spectrum of what it takes to support families struggling with homelessness: safe shelter today and stable, affordable housing for tomorrow. We’re grateful, and we know this work is far from finished.”
Community members, businesses and organizations interested in supporting Summer Family Heat Relief or other UMOM programs can find additional information at UMOM’s website.
