Water drives for homeless usually end soon. It's so hot in Phoenix, they're going an extra month

Phoenix’s record-long streak of triple-digit temperatures shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. In response, the Valley’s major homeless services organization is extending its water donation events for an extra month.

Keys to Change serves about 1,200 unhoused or housing-insecure people per day on its downtown campus. Keys to Change development manager Kim Beaudoin said water, sunscreen, hats, umbrellas and other sun protection items have been in huge demand this summer.

“It’s really an all hands on deck effort to ensure that our unhoused neighbors in this stifling heat have access to water and hydration while we’re working with them to end their homelessness,” Beaudoin said.

The organization usually begins taking donations of bottled water and other heat relief items in April and wraps up its Thirst Aid donation events in September. But this year, the campaign will run through October.

“We can’t just call it quits because the pumpkin spice lattes are out at our favorite coffee shops,” Beaudoin said. “What we’ve seen this year so far — coupled with the growing need because of the rise in homelessness generally — we knew that to meet the need, we would have to call on the community for another month.”

The organization will take donations from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 7, at its 1300 W. Harrison Street campus. The additional donation event is scheduled for Oct. 5. Donations can also be made online.