Support Arizona Faith Network's Heat Relief Program

The heat is on, and we are calling on all people of faith to help! Our vulnerable community neighbors are in danger during this extreme heat and need your support to stay safe and cool.

Extreme heat poses a severe threat to vulnerable communities in Arizona, necessitating robust support and relief efforts. In 2023, Arizona experienced its hottest summer since record-keeping began more than 100 years ago. In Maricopa County alone, more than 645 people died, and emergency rooms statewide recorded more than 4,000 heat-related visits. Cooling centers, which provide respite to people needing safe shelter with consistent air conditioners and other cooling features, recorded more than 26,000 visits. 

AFN has been at the forefront of providing essential resources and lifesaving assistance for the last four years. But we cannot do this work without you!  

Together with your help we bridge a crucial gap by offering life-saving heat relief services through cooling centers in houses of worship across Maricopa County. These centers provide a welcoming space for community members and their pets during the heat season offering cooling facilities, water, healthy snacks, and access to wrap-around services with community partners, ensuring much-needed rest for those facing extreme temperatures.

Ways You and Your Community Can Help Save Lives This Heat Season

Donate Funds

  • To sustain the increased demand AFN  needs financial support from local donors, foundations, and other funders. It costs between $25,000 to $100,000 to run each Heat Relief Respite Site during the heat season, with expenses varying based on the length of operations, staffing, and location. Any contribution goes directly to keeping our neighbors safe and hydrated during challenging times. You can help donate here. 

Donate Supplies

We are in need of various supplies to support our heat relief centers. Here’s how you can help donate life-saving supplies during this heat season:

  • Drop off supplies at one of our heat relief centers (full list below) during their open hours.

  • Purchase needed supplies from our Amazon Wishlist and have it shipped directly to us. You can access our Amazon Wishlist Here. 


Needed Heat Relief Supplies: 

  • Bottled Water

  • Granola Bar or Snack

  • Travel Size First Aid Kit

  • Travel Wet Wipes

  • Travel Sunscreen

  • Lotion

  • Chapstick

  • Dog Food

We would love for your faith community to run a ‘Supply or Water Drive’ as an outreach project this heat season to help our communities in need. 

Check on Your Heat Vulnerable Community Members and Neighbors

This heat season is dangerous, and running the air conditioner can be expensive, putting many at risk. We encourage you to call and check on your vulnerable neighbors, especially the elderly, individuals with health conditions, and those without access to adequate cooling. A simple phone call or visit can make a huge difference. Ensure they have access to water, cool environments, and any necessary assistance. If you find someone in need of more substantial support, direct them to one of our cooling centers or other local resources. Your vigilance and care can help save lives during these extreme temperatures.

Additionally, AFN and the City of Phoenix Office of Heat Response & Mitigation will be launching a partnership on a new Cool Callers Program. This initiative aims to create a network of volunteers dedicated to checking on vulnerable community members during the heat season. If you are interested in receiving more information on this program when it launches, please let me know at Katie.Sexton@azfaithnetwork.org. Your participation can help ensure the safety and well-being of our neighbors in need.

Take Your Outreach on the Road!

We encourage you to take your outreach efforts on the road by keeping heat relief bags in your car and carrying a few frozen water bottles. As you travel throughout your day, be prepared to hand out these essential items to anyone you see in heat distress. A small gesture, such as providing a cool drink or a relief bag, can make a significant difference for those suffering from the extreme heat. Additionally, you can print out our Heat Relief Flier (here), which directs individuals to resources and cooling centers, and provides information on free rides through 211. You can also print and share this City of Tucson Respite Flier (here) and find the full list of Tucson Heat Relief Centers (here). Your proactive efforts can help keep our community members safe and hydrated during these challenging times. 

Please feel free to copy and share this email or any portions that are helpful with your congregation or community. 

We believe by working together we can make a tangible difference in the lives of Arizona individuals and families facing extreme heat conditions. Together, we can ensure everyone in our community stays safe and cool during the summer months. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to making a difference!

2024 AFN HEAT RELIEF CENTERS

  • Community Christian Church (opens July 22): Open Monday - Saturday, 9 am - 7 pm, Sunday, 2 pm - 7 pm, Pets Welcome, located at 1701 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281

  • First Institutional Baptist Church: Open Monday - Saturday, 12 pm - 6 pm, Pets Welcome, Heat Respite Center, located at 1141 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85034

  • First Church UCC Phoenix: Open Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 12 - 8 pm, Pets Welcome, Heat Respite Center, located at 1407 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

  • Glendale Mission And Ministry Center (Iglesia Dios De Segunda Oportunidad Christian Church (Disciples of Christ): Open Monday - Saturday, 12 pm - 8 pm, Pets Welcome, Heat Respite Center, located at 6242 N 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301

  • Grace Lutheran Church: Open Monday, Thursday, Saturday, 12 - 8 pm, Pets Welcome, Heat Respite Center, located at 1124 N 3rd St STE A, Phoenix, AZ 85004

  • Larkspur Christian Church (Disciples of Christ): Open Monday - Saturday, 12 pm - 8 pm, Pets Welcome, Heat Respite Center, located at 10614 N 43rd Ave, Glendale, AZ 85304

  • Justa Center: Open Daily, 6 am - 7:30 pm, Pets Welcome, Heat Respite Center, located at 1001 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85007

  • St. John's Lutheran Church: Open Monday - Friday, 12 pm - 8 pm, Pets Welcome, Heat Respite Center, located at 7205 N 51st Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301

  • The Church of the Epiphany: Open Monday - Saturday, 9 am - 7 pm, Pets Welcome, Heat Respite Center, located at 2222 S Price Rd, Tempe, AZ 85282

  • Tempe Church of Christ: Open Monday - Saturday, 9 am - 7 pm, Pets Welcome, located at 2424 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282

  • State Cooling Pod (1601 W Adams St): Open Daily, 8 am - 8 pm, Cooling Center, Indoor, air-conditioned locations that offer hydration, located at 1601 W Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85007

  • State Cooling Pod (1818 W Adams St): Open Daily, 8 am - 8 pm, Cooling Center, located at 1818 W Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85007

  • University Presbyterian Church: Open Monday - Saturday, 9 am - 7 pm, Pets Welcome, Heat Respite Center, located at 139 E Alameda Dr, Tempe, AZ 85282

  • Wesley United Methodist Church: Open Monday - Friday, 12 pm - 6 pm, Pets Welcome, Heat Respite Center, located at 750 E Southern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85040