Tempe’s new mobile cooling center to serve those experiencing homelessness

PHOENIX — The city of Tempe unveiled Tuesday its mobile cooling center, which will serve those experiencing homelessness in the community.

The 20-foot cooling center, dubbed Jenny’s Trailer in honor of local activist Jenny Norton, who donated $15,000, will be open on days when temperatures exceed 110 degrees.

“Arizona’s summer heat can be deadly and those living outdoors need access to places like Jenny’s Trailer, where they can cool off and get a cold bottle of water,” Mayor Corey Woods said in a press release.

On-site specialists from the city’s HOPE homeless outreach program will provide connections to temporary shelter, housing programs, jobs programs, medical services and more.

In months when extreme heat isn’t expected, the city will use the shelter to continue providing services to those in need.

The solar-powered trailer will be operated at locations across the city, such as parks.

Phoenix had 53 days of temperatures over 110 degrees in 2020, a record. The high temperature has eclipsed 100 degrees 21 times this year.

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