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Video >>>: See Inside Dining Room Doubling as Overnight Heat Relief Shelter
Phoenix, Ariz. (Apr. 26, 2023) – The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has approved more than $3.8 million in funding that will provide heat relief to people experiencing homelessness. The approval paves the way for partnerships between Maricopa County and the cities of Chandler, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, and Scottsdale. In addition, Maricopa County funded overnight weather relief shelter beds at the Human Services Campus.
"Every human life is precious, and while no single entity can end homelessness or solve every issue that contributes to it, I believe we have a moral obligation to do what we can,” said Chairman Clint Hickman, District 4. “These shelter services provide more than heat relief; they save lives. I appreciate the partnership on the issue.”
The funding helps support services and shelter options specific to the unique needs of each local community. The following projects are funded with $2.4 million from Maricopa County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds:
Cities of Chandler/Mesa: $600,000 to provide day respite centers, cooling stations, mobile heat relief services, and shower trailers to serve up to 600 individuals per day between April and September 2023.
City of Glendale: $771,000 to establish three new heat relief respite centers, street outreach, and transportation to heat relief centers to serve up to 90 individuals per day between April and September 2023.
City of Phoenix: $1,015,000 to open indoor, air-conditioned daytime heat relief shelters in downtown Phoenix and Sunnyslope to serve up to 140 individuals per day between May and September 2023.
City of Peoria: $27,500 to purchase and distribute 100 heat relief kits that will include water jugs, hats, sunscreen, and cooling towels. Funds will also provide hotel vouchers for up to 35 individuals between April and September 2023.
City of Scottsdale: $34,000 to provide up to a total of 100 water bottles and transport up to 150 people to daytime heat relief centers between April and September 2023.
Human Services Campus: $1.4 million from the County’s general fund supports the operation of two evening heat relief stations that operate from 5:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily. The spaces offer indoor, cooled, safe sleeping accommodations that include indoor bathrooms, cots, blankets, sheets, and drinking water. Each day, the St. Vincent de Paul dining room is converted to accommodate approximately 190 people. In addition, the Lodestar Day Resource Center also transforms into a similar sleeping space that can accommodate up to 70 people. During the day, guests can take advantage of case management services and activities and receive meals as the sleeping space converts back to dining and activity rooms each morning.
"One of the things I really like about this partnership is that it’s not just about a roof over someone’s head on a hot day,” said Supervisor Gallardo, District 5. “It’s giving people the dignity of a comfortable bed, a hot shower, a healthy meal, and the resources that might help them end their homelessness. I’m proud we are extending this promise of shelter, safety, and support to the most vulnerable among us.”
These partnerships are one of many ways that Maricopa County is working to develop comprehensive services to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness across the county. Additional efforts include:
For more information on the support programs available, visit Maricopa.gov/HSD.
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About Maricopa County Human Services
The Maricopa County Human Services Department (HSD) builds resiliency in the community and promotes the well-being of County residents experiencing adversity through a variety of programs and services to help people and families thrive. These opportunities include early childhood education, housing, and homeownership, independent living services for seniors and adults with disabilities, career development for job seekers with barriers to employment, crisis rental and utility assistance, and support for people experiencing homelessness. HSD is committed to delivering innovative, equitable, inclusive, and comprehensive services in a collaborative approach that preserves dignity, promotes respect, and facilitates social and economic mobility. Learn more about the financial, educational, and support resources available to Maricopa County residents at Maricopa.gov/HSD.
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