Metro Phoenix has already experienced 100 degree temperatures, and more are on the way soon.
That means Maricopa County communities are rolling out heat mitigation efforts on Wednesday, May 1.
Glendale is offering multiple cooling and hydration locations, as well as two respite centers, which are provided by the Arizona Faith Network, a derivative of the Arizona Council of Churches founded in 1946.
Michelle Yates, engagement program manager for Glendale, said this is the second year to partner with the council for the centers.
“There will be some light snacks that will be available for folks as well as an opportunity for individuals to sleep without any disruptions. Pets are also allowed and personal belongings as well,” she said.
According to Yates, operating expenses for the heat mitigation efforts are provided by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, which solicits proposals.
“The program for the heat relief network typically starts May 1 and ends the last day of September,” said Yates. “However, because of the record and the trends in the last however many years, we’ve been pushing it back into the second week of October.”
One of those records Yates referred to was last year’s heat wave, in which Phoenix posted a record 55 days with temperatures reaching 110 degrees or higher.
According to a separate release, “the respite centers are at Glendale Mission and Ministry Center, 6242 N. 59th Ave., and St. John’s Lutheran Church, 7205 N. 51st Ave. Phoenix Rescue Mission will provide case management services and transportation to the respite centers."
"The Glendale Mission and Ministry Center will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays while St. John’s Lutheran Church will be available to residents from noon to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. St. John’s with a few exceptions due to Bible school, with those closures to be posted.”
Cooling centers
- Heroes Regional Library, 6075 N. 83rd Ave.: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.
- Velma Teague Library, 7010 N. 58th Ave.: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.
- Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St.: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.
- Glendale Adult Center, 5970 W. Brown St.: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays
- Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center, 5600 W. Union Hills Road: 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.
- Foothills Library, 19055 N. 57th Ave.: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Hydration stations
- Glendale Courts, 5711 W. Glendale Ave., Building B: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
- Glendale Memorial Park Cemetery, 7844 N. 61st Ave.: 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
- GESD System of Care Center, 7677 W. Bethany Home Road: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.