Phoenix’s 24/7 heat relief site opens its doors Friday.
This is the third year in a row the city has operated an all-hours cooling center. For the second year, the city is leasing a warehouse building downtown at 20 W. Jackson St. for the site.
The city offered a 24/7 heat relief site for the first time in 2024, following Maricopa County’s deadliest summer on record in 2023, when 645 people died from heat-related causes.
The city saw high demand for the 24/7 services in 2024 and 2025. More than 5,600 people sought heat relief at the 24/7 cooling center and city libraries offering extended hours last summer, according to Phoenix’s Office of Homeless Solutions.
Across Maricopa County last year, heat-related deaths decreased about 30% from the previous year.
Phoenix Councilmember Anna Hernandez said the round-the-clock services at the 24/7 cooling center contributed to the decrease.
“This center saves lives,” Hernandez said during an event to mark the opening of the site Thursday. “Expanding access to safe, climate resilient public spaces is not optional, it is our responsibility. One heat death is one too many.”
Once again this year, the 24-hour site will be staffed by security guards as well as navigators who can connect guests with other services. More than 700 visitors to city-run heat-relief sites were referred to shelter, treatment or homelessness diversion options last year, according to the Office of Homeless Solutions.
The 24-hour cooling center site will be open through Sept. 30.
Dozens of other cooling centers are also available throughout the Valley as part of the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Heat Relief Network. Most will also operate May through September. Arizonans in need of heat relief can get more information about their nearest cooling center by calling 211.
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