Mesa Offering Heat Relief Services to Help Save Lives This Summer

Trending...
~ Mesa, AZ - As the summer heat continues to reach triple digits, the city of Mesa has announced its partnership with Maricopa County Public Health and local organizations to provide heat relief services for unhoused individuals and other vulnerable residents. This initiative is made possible by a federal grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and some of the city's general funds.

According to Mesa Mayor John Giles, last year saw a troubling increase in heat-related deaths and illnesses in Maricopa County. In response, the city is working together with county public health officials, non-profit organizations, and faith communities to ensure that those most at risk have access to life-saving services during extreme heat.

One of the key components of this partnership is the continuation and expansion of a heat relief day respite center operated by Resurrection Street Ministry (RSM) at 1109 E. Main St. The center will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. until September 30th, offering air conditioning, water, rest areas, meals, navigation services, medical care, showers, and more for those seeking relief from the scorching temperatures. Pets are also welcome at this location.

More on The Arizonar
In addition to the respite center, cooling centers will be operated by various agencies throughout Mesa. These include The Salvation Army at 241 E. 6th St., open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours on days with heat advisories. Leashed pets are welcome at this location as well.

Other cooling centers include MesaCAN at 635 E. Broadway (Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.), St. Vincent de Paul at 49 W. Broadway (daily from 12 p.m.-4:30 p.m.), Terros Health at 111 S Stapley Drive (Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.), and First United Methodist Church at 15 E. 1st Ave. (Cool Down Room and Clothing Closet open Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 12 p.m.-3 p.m.).

To reach vulnerable residents in targeted areas, the city is also piloting a referral portable A/C loaner program and adding a team of Mobile Heat Relief Navigators from Phoenix Rescue Mission.

The Mesa Water Resources Department has also set up Hydration Stations at various locations for people to refill their water bottles as many times as needed. These include the Mesa Arts Center, Mesa Main Library, Pioneer Park, Paz de Cristo, United Food Bank Volunteer Center, Falcon Field Airport, Red Mountain Library, and more.

More on The Arizonar
For income-qualified residents in need of assistance with their electric bills during the summer months of July, August, and September, the city offers the Summer Electric Assistance Program (SEA). Additional resources can be found on the city's website or by dialing 2-1-1 within Maricopa County to speak with a live person who can provide information on cooling and respite centers, water access, utility assistance, and A/C repair or replacement.

The Mesa Hydration Donation Campaign is also ongoing until September 27th. Donations of bottled water can be made at designated drop-off locations throughout the city.

For more information on Mesas heat relief efforts and resources available to residents during extreme heat conditions, visit the city's website.

Filed Under: Government, City

Show All News | Report Violation

0 Comments

Latest on The Arizonar