Phoenix-area advocates kick off heat relief campaign for homeless

PHOENIX — You can help the Valley’s homeless beat the heat this summer, thanks to the 4th Annual Code:Red Summer Heat Relief Campaign.

The campaign is part of the Phoenix Rescue Mission’s efforts to prevent heat-related deaths among the Valley’s homeless and elderly.

“It’s already pretty hot outside, so you can imagine what it’s like for someone who’s living on the street,” said Nicole Pena, director of marketing and public relations for Phoenix Rescue Mission.

Pena said they need many items to help the homeless this summer. That includes bottled water, white socks, toiletries, hats, sunscreen and monetary donations.

“We’re looking for work places to do bottled water drives,” Pena said. “We’re looking for business locations that would be a public drop off for water.”

The mission is also in urgent need of volunteer drivers to be a part of its Hope Coach Outreach program. It’s part of the summer heat relief campaign where those volunteers deliver much-needed supplies to homeless around the Valley.

“Every day the Hope Coach goes out and does street outreach,” Pena said. “In the summer we make sure that people are hydrated with water, (have) hats, that they have food (and) that they know that they can come into the shelter and get out of the heat.”

Pena said there are many ways to help out the Valley’s homeless. She also said hikers and those who work outside during the hot summer months need to stay hydrated.