Phoenix Rescue Mission offers lifeline during scorching summer temps
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
As temperatures begin to creep upward, Phoenix Rescue Mission officials are kicking off its Code:Red Summer Heat Relief Campaign.
The Phoenix-based nonprofit’s goal is to protect the most-vulnerable population by collecting and distributing 1 million bottles of water.
Through Aug. 31, Phoenix Rescue Mission is providing essential resources to sustain the city’s homeless population, such as nonperishable food and water supplies, and is seeking donations ahead of this Valley-wide undertaking, according to a press release.
Monetary donations will be matched up to $150,000, made possible by several supporters of Phoenix Rescue Mission, the release states.
“In 2023, there were 645 heat-related deaths in Maricopa County, a 52% increase from 2022, and almost half were from people experiencing homelessness,” said Phoenix Rescue Mission CEO Ken Brissa. “These deaths are tragic and preventable. This campaign aims to help these communities as much as possible by meeting people where they are at and providing life-saving necessities, like water.”
During the campaign, several municipalities, including Avondale, Peoria, Glendale, Surprise, and Scottsdale, have created partnerships with the Phoenix Rescue Mission, bringing relief to the streets in the Mission’s Hope Coach vehicles to distribute water, toiletries and case management services.
More information about the 12th annual Code:Red initiative can be found HERE.
Food, water, and all other heat-relief donations can be dropped off at the Mission’s Donation Warehouse, located at 2515 N. 34th Drive in Phoenix.
The Mission is also in need of volunteers to help distribute vital, nutritious food to families in need at its Hope for Hunger Food Bank in Glendale.
