Phoenix Convention Center used as heat relief shelter for homeless

PHOENIX – With temperatures soaring, the Phoenix Convention Center is being used as a heat relief shelter for the city’s homeless population this weekend.

The Heat of the Day Respite Center opened at the downtown venue Friday morning and will operate from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Monday.

“I am extremely proud of the decision to use a city facility that is not being utilized due to the COVID-19 pandemic to help our residents,” Councilman Michael Nowakowski said in a statement.

Starting at 9 a.m. each day and running each hour, buses will pick up residents experiencing homelessness near the Human Services Campus on Jefferson St. between Ninth and 12th avenues.

The buses will shuttle people with valid Human Services Campus identification cards to the Convention Center at Third and Monroe streets, which is set up with tables, chairs and televisions.

In addition, the city is partnering with St. Vincent de Paul to provide water and meals.

Guidelines to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 will be followed, including deep cleaning of the facility each night.

The National Weather Service forecast calls for highs in Phoenix of 112 degrees Friday, 108 on Saturday, 109 on Sunday and 106 on Monday.

An excessive heat warning is in effect across metro Phoenix until Sunday at 8 p.m.

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