Code: Red! Phoenix Rescue Mission needs your help saving lives in summer!

Experts predict 2019 could be the hottest year on record, putting the Valley’s homeless and elderly shut-ins at risk. In an effort to protect this vulnerable population,Phoenix Rescue Mission is launching its 7thannual city-wide Code:Red Summer Heat Relief Campaign.

From May 1 through August 31,Phoenix Rescue Mission is partnering with businesses and municipalities, including the cities of Phoenix, Peoria and Glendale, to distribute water, in-the-package new socks, toiletry kits (Hope Totes) and other heat-relief items to those living on the streets this summer. As summer fast approaches, the Mission is asking the public to support its efforts by donating needed items, volunteering time or providing monetary donations, which will be matched up to $150,000, made possible by a grant from several friends of the Phoenix Rescue Mission.

“Code:Red is a city wide campaign and we need the public’s support from all corners of the Valley, because the summer heat doesn’t care which zip code our homeless may find themselves in,” said Phoenix Rescue Mission CEO Jay Cory. “Anyone can help, whether it’s dropping off a case of water at any of our drop-off locations or volunteering your time on our Hope Coach, handing out water to those on the streets who are in need.”

Arizona is ranked among the worst states in the nation for homelessness, with more than 25,000 people in Maricopa County who have no place to call home – 37 percent of whom are women and children in families, according to Maricopa County. Public drop-off sites for water are located throughout the Valley and can be found here. All other heat-relief donations can be dropped off at the Mission’s Donation Warehouse, located at 3440 W. Lewis Ave., building A, suite G, in Phoenix. For more information on what to donate or to start a Code:Red drive please contact Catie Hammann at chammann@phoenixrescuemission.org or 602-346-3347.

I spoke with Catie and Nathan Smith, Director of Community Engagement, for our Valley Views public affairs program.