Heat relief campaign and water drive launches in Phoenix
May 11, 2021, 4:15 AM | Updated: 8:37 am

(Twitter photo/@phxmission)
(Twitter photo/@phxmission)
PHOENIX — A Valley heat relief campaign that protects the homeless population and at-risk individuals launched Monday, Phoenix Rescue Mission officials announced.
“In addition to battling triple-digit temperatures, the number of homeless men and women in our community has continued to climb while the pandemic limits access to many resources and services,” Ken Brissa, Phoenix Rescue Mission CEO, said in a press release.
The Mission said due to continuing risks of COVID-19, the heat relief initiative and water drive is raising the level of need for this year’s Code: Red Summer Heat Relief Campaign through August 31.
In addition to water and other heat relief items, the Mission said non-perishable food drives and monetary donations are other forms of support.
Donations, which will be essential to meet this year’s campaign needs, will be matched up to $150,000, made possible by a grant from several friends of the Phoenix Rescue Mission.
Several cities, including Goodyear, Peoria, Avondale, Scottsdale, Surprise and Glendale, have joined the effort and will work with the Mission’s Street Outreach staff as they comb Valley streets in a small fleet of Hope Coach vehicles providing water, toiletries and case management services to those in need.
The outreach teams will follow the CDC’s COVID-19 safety protocols.