Rising temperatures and unpredictable weather continue to plague the Valley’s homeless and elderly shut-ins each summer in Arizona, causing many to die on the streets and in their homes. In an effort to protect this vulnerable population, Phoenix Rescue Mission is launching its Valley-wide Code:Red Summer Heat Relief Campaign for the fourth consecutive year.
Beginning May 2 and running through Aug. 31, Phoenix Rescue Mission will partner with several municipalities and businesses to issue a public plea for water, white socks, toiletries, cool snack packs, hats, light-colored T-shirts, sunglasses, sunscreen, chapstick, chilly neck coolers, monetary donations and more.
“We are increasing our efforts this year, as we have every year since we first launched Code Red, to make sure no one succumbs to the deadly summer heat,” said Phoenix Rescue Mission CEO Jay Cory. “While the most recent data shows that heat-related deaths in Maricopa County have continued to drop since we initiated this campaign, we won’t be satisfied until everyone is safe. But we desperately need public support to make that happen.”
The Mission is in urgent need of volunteer drivers to support its Hope Coach Outreach program. The Hope Coach Outreach program is a central part of Code Red as it enables the Mission to get the much-needed life-saving supplies to those living on the streets throughout the Valley.
Public drop-off sites for water, socks, sunscreen, hats, toiletries and other heat relief items are located throughout the Valley. For a complete list of items needed and drop-off locations, visit www.phoenixrescuemission.org.
