City of Phoenix, AZ
07/25/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/25/2024 12:41
City of Phoenix’s Overnight and Extended-Hour Respite Sites Keep Thousands Safe from Extreme Heat
As the City of Phoenix reaches the midpoint of its summer relief efforts, it continues to expand shelter and respite options for residents most vulnerable to the Valley's extreme temperatures. This month, the City opened a West Phoenix shelter and increased capacity at the 24/7 Burton Barr Library heat respite center.
Thousands of residents have sought reprieve and resources at one of the City's five overnight respite and extended-hour heat relief sites, which have seen more than 14,000 visits since May 1.
More than 400 unsheltered individuals and families with children have so far accepted services and support, including shelter, housing, or treatment for mental health or substance use concerns.
And 280 new shelter beds are on track to open in Phoenix at three new shelters by next month.
"Phoenix is proud to lead on critical heat relief for our residents who need it most," Mayor Kate Gallego said. "In learning from last summer, we went into this season knowing that overnight heat respite was a top priority for our community, and the results speak for themselves. Though our high temperatures are set to continue over the course of the next few months, we are encouraged by the progress we've made so far."
For the last five weeks, heat-related calls for service to the Phoenix Fire Department are down 23% according to electronic patient care reporting from the same five-week period in 2023.
"Our hope is to get even more Phoenicians on a path to safe, cool, permanent shelter options," Gallego added.
Read more about the City's efforts
Heat Relief Creating Homeless Solutions
Phoenix is the only city in the region offering 24/7 heat relief this year, and the services provided there are helping end people's homelessness. Since May 1, 407 people have accepted a place at an alternative location, such as shelter, treatment, the City's Safe Outdoor Space, or have been permanently housed. Each of the City's five overnight and extended-hour heat relief locations are staffed with navigators from nonprofit partner, Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI), to help connect people with the services they need.
"While our heat relief locations are open to everyone, we know there is an especially high need for cool, indoor spaces for people experiencing homelessness during the summer," Rachel Milne, Director of Phoenix's Office of Homeless Solutions said. "These heat relief sites are proving to be a vital connection point to help people find more permanent solutions to end their homelessness."
CoolTainer Increases Heat Relief Capacity
The City is using a CoolTainer, an innovative solution to increase capacity at the Burton Barr heat respite center. The converted, solar-powered shipping containers are insulated, air conditioned and can fit as many as 22 people. State officials got the CoolTainers from a local company, Steel + Spark, and provided one to the City of Phoenix. It serves as an extension of the Burton Barr respite center and also operates 24/7 with staff and security.
New Shelter Beds Opening During the Summer Heat
Last week, the City of Phoenix welcomed the first guests at the Phoenix Navigation Center near 71st Avenue and Van Buren, in partnership with CBI and St. Vincent de Paul. The City worked diligently to ensure the site could serve up to 140 people during the dangerous summer heat, and quickly installed a temporary structure to provide 100 congregate beds. While construction continues on the permanent facilities at the site, workers are installing two X-WING converted shipping container shelters onsite. The X-Wings will provide non-congregate shelter space for up to 40 people who are participating in St. Vincent de Paul's onsite Neighborhood Brigade workforce program. The center offers guests wraparound services to help end their homelessness, including case management, behavioral health services, meals, property storage, and space for pets and personal property.
Two new additional shelters will begin welcoming guests next month, opening 140 more new shelter beds in Phoenix: 100 beds at De Paul Manor , in partnership with St. Vincent de Paul, and 40 beds at North Mountain Healing Center, in partnership with CBI. These projects represent 280 of the 790 new shelter beds the City of Phoenix is working to add in 2024 and 2025, as part of the City's continued commitment to expanding shelter capacity in Phoenix.
Learn more about the Office of Homeless Solutions and shelter projects.