Phoenix, Maricopa County partner to open heat relief shelter
May 20, 2022, 4:15 AM
(YouTube Screenshot/Maricopa County)
(YouTube Screenshot/Maricopa County)
PHOENIX — The city of Phoenix and Maricopa County have partnered to open a heat relief shelter that can offer services for up to 200 people daily who are experiencing homelessness.
The 41,000-square-foot facility, located near 28th and Washington streets, has beds, access to three meals a day, showers, storage space for personal belongings and is pet-friendly.
The shelter is a closed campus, meaning people have to be referred by a caseworker.
“This shelter is really focused on outcomes and working with people to remove their barriers to end their homelessness,” Jennifer Morgan, heat relief center manager for St. Vincent De Paul, which will operate the shelter, said.
Staff will be able to assist people with a variety of services, including getting identification, accessing medical and financial help, and housing opportunities.
The location will be open 24/7 through Oct. 31.
Phoenix and Maricopa County chipped in a combined $4.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for the facility.
“What you’re seeing is a one-stop shop, not just for heat relief but to actually find a place to lie down for the night,” Steve Gallardo, Maricopa County Supervisor for District 5, said.
