SE Valley Times

As temperatures reach triple digits, Mesa has announced its partnership with Maricopa County Public Health and local organizations to provide heat relief services for unhoused individuals and other vulnerable residents. A federal grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), along with some of the City’s general funds, will support programs and services during the extreme summer heat.

"Last year, Maricopa County experienced a troubling rise in heat-related deaths and illnesses," said Mesa Mayor John Giles. "Working together with Maricopa County Public Health, local non-profit organizations and our faith community, the City of Mesa is committed to ensuring that those most vulnerable to heat exposure have access to essential life-saving services, including hydration and cooling stations and daytime respite centers."

The County partnerships enable the continuation and expansion of a heat relief day respite center operated by Resurrection Street Ministry (RSM) at 1109 E. Main St. The center is open Monday to Saturday through Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering air conditioning, water, a rest area, meals, navigation services, medical care, showers, and more during the hottest part of the day. Pets are welcome at this location.

Cooling centers will also be operated by several agencies:

- The Salvation Army at 241 E. 6th St., daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., extending until 7 p.m. on heat advisory days.

- MesaCAN at 635 E. Broadway, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- St. Vincent de Paul at 49 W. Broadway, daily from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

- Terros Health at 1111 S. Stapley Drive, Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- First United Methodist Church at 15 E. 1st Ave., Cool Down Room and Clothing Closet on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The City is also piloting a referral portable A/C loaner program and adding a team of Mobile Heat Relief Navigators from Phoenix Rescue Mission to provide access to heat relief centers and services in targeted areas for vulnerable residents.

The City of Mesa Water Resources Department has created Hydration Stations at various locations for people to refill reusable bottles as many times as needed:

- Mesa Arts Center at North Studios Building

- Mesa Main Library on the west side of the building

- Pioneer Park next to restroom facilities

- Paz de Cristo dining hall

- United Food Bank Volunteer Center

- Falcon Field Airport lobby

- Red Mountain Library

Additionally, income-qualified residents can access resources such as the Summer Electric Assistance Program (SEA) for help with electric bills during July, August, and September.

Residents needing assistance can dial 2-1-1 within Maricopa County between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., daily for help finding cooling centers, water stations, utility assistance, A/C repair or replacement.

The Mesa Hydration Donation Campaign continues through Sept.27 collecting bottles and cases of water for those in need during extreme summer heat.

More information about Mesa’s heat relief efforts is available online.

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