Summer Respite

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Homeless need help staying cool in the summer.  When the temperatures soar and the hot summer days are upon us, many homeless people who live on the streets do not have their basic needs met.

Arizona's harsh summer weather conditions can be devastating to people who are unable to avoid them for long periods of time.  Older people, children and people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to extreme temperatures.  The community can assist by donating items that will keep people who are homeless cool and protected during the long hot summer.

The city of Phoenix is asking people to donate ONLY the following items to be distributed to those that are homeless: 

  • Unopened water bottles
  • Sunscreen
  • New underwear - men's, women's, children's
  • White socks for children or adults
  • White T-shirts for children or adults
  • Bug repellant
  • Cash or check donations to supplement the donated items also are welcomed.

Donated items are distributed by local homeless outreach teams from:

Basic Mission, Catholic Charities, Church on the Streets, Maricopa County Healthcare for the Homeless, One N Ten, Native American Connections, Inc., Set free Ministry, Son Lit Foundation, Southwest Behavioral Health Services PATH Outreach, TERROS, The Salvation Army Project HOPE, Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development and U.S. Vets. 

The program runs from April through September.

Tax-deductible donations may be delivered to any of the city's three Family Services Centers: 

Travis L. Williams
4732 South Central Avenue
602-534-4732

John F. Long
3454 North 51st Avenue
602-262-6510

Sunnyslope
914 West Hatcher Road
602-495-5229

The centers are open from 7:30 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.   Please call (602) 256-4302 to arrange a bulk or large donation.   Acknowledgement of any donation is available.