Phoenix launched its seasonal heat relief efforts on May 1. This year the city is operating a new facility downtown for 24/7 heat respite.
Overnight temperatures in Phoenix have risen to record highs in recent summers and homeless shelters across the Valley are at capacity. So, last year, the city launched a 24-hour heat relief site for the first time at Burton Barr Library. The site had thousands of visits.
This year, the city has moved its 24-hour site to a 20,000-square-foot building it is leasing downtown on Jackson Street and 1st Avenue. Scott Hall with the city’s Office of Homeless Solutions said the much larger space will fit more people and will be better suited to the purpose.
“It’s size and resources,” Hall said. “We want people to be comfortable. People are more open to talking about their vulnerabilities when they’re in a safe, comfortable setting. And also location – this is right downtown where there is a large population, and it’s conveniently located to some of the resources we’re trying to connect people to.”
Visitors to the space check in with trained case managers who can offer referrals to shelter, treatment or other services. There are no beds in the facility, but there are multiple areas to rest in chairs. Visitors may bring pets inside, and the building has an enclosed outdoor space for pets. The building also has rooms designated for families with children and women.
Hall said the site has already had visitors in the first few days since opening, some of whom have been connected to housing or other services. It will stay open through September.
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