As temperatures reach the triple digits, Mesa is informing the public of its partnership with Maricopa County Public Health and local organizations to provide heat relief services for unhoused individuals and other vulnerable Mesa residents. A federal grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), along with some of the City's general funds, will be used to offer 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 allow the continuation and expansion of a heat relief day respite center operated by Resurrection Street Ministry (RSM), 1109 E. Main St. The respite 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 the following agencies:
The Salvation Army, 241 E. 6th St., daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 7 p.m. on heat advisory days. Leashed, well-behaved pets welcome.
MesaCAN, 635 E. Broadway, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
St. Vincent de Paul, , 49 W. Broadway, daily, 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Terros Health, 111 1 S. Stapley Drive, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
First United Methodist Church, 15 E. 1st Ave., Cool Down Room and Clothing Closet Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 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, both housed and unhoused..
The City of Mesa Water Resources Department has created Hydration Stations at the following locations for people to refill useable bottles as many times as they like:
Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., North Studios Building, Tuesday through Friday,12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Mesa Main Library, 64 E. 1st St.,, west side of the building
Pioneer Park, 526 E. Main St., next to restroom facilities
Paz de Cristo, 424 W. Broadway, dining hall, daily, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
United Food Bank Volunteer Center, 358 E. Javelina Ave., Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Falcon Field Airport, 4800 E. Falcon Drive, lobby, Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road, Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The City of Mesa has several resources to help income-qualified residents, including the Summer Electric Assistance Program (SEA) for help with their electric bills during the summer months of July, August and September. Additional resources are available on the city's website. Additionally, anyone in need of assistance may dial 2-1-1 within Maricopa County, to speak with a live person to get help finding cooling and respite centers, water and other heat relief support like utility assistance and A/C repair and replacement from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
The Mesa Hydration Donation Campaign continues through Sept. 27, collecting bottles and cases of water for people in need during the extreme summer heat. Details are available at mesaaz.gov/H2Omesa.
More information about Mesa's heat relief efforts is available online.