Homelessness becomes increasingly more dangerous when summer begins in Phoenix as temperatures continue to rise.
Phoenix provides respite centers to unhoused individuals, along with other resources that may benefit them through the harsh temperatures from May 1 to Sept. 30.
The location of the respite centers are typically located where 911 would receive the highest amount of heat-related calls over the summer in Phoenix.
The main respite center is located on 20. W Jackson St. and it is open for 24 hours.
This summer, Phoenix will be expanding their accessibility to heat respite centers and offer an additional 24 hour respite center specifically targeted to families with adolescent children experiencing homelessness for a consecutive seven days a week.
Almost half of the heat-related deaths that occur in Phoenix are homeless individuals, which makes these respite centers crucial to unhoused individuals.
Arizona-based attorney Kelli Williams, a lifelong Phoenix resident, said her biggest concern about homelessness, especially in the summer, is the uncomfortable and life threatening extreme heat.
“When temperatures reach well over 110 degrees, people without shelter are at serious risk of dehydration, heat stroke, and even death. It really highlights the urgent need for accessible cooling centers, outreach, and long-term solutions,” said Williams.
During the summer of 2025, the City of Phoenix worked with unhoused individuals they would find at the respite centers and attempted to find them housing.
The main respite center had approximately 44,000 visits during the summer of 2025, and with the rising temperatures that number is expected to increase for the summer of 2026.
During March 2026 Phoenix experienced the earliest 100 degree day in Arizona’s history, so it is expected that the summer heat this year will be even greater than last summer’s.
According to the Phoenix New Times, Phoenix has a 50% chance of the temperatures rising from June-Aug. compared to last year’s temperatures.
The City of Phoenix is implementing similar procedures they carried out last year and continuing them this summer, however the support of others is needed.
“I feel as though the city is doing extraordinary things for vulnerable populations experiencing extreme heat so much so other cities and countries have asked for more information on our approaches,” said Caitlin Johnston, the communications specialist for District 6.
During the summer of 2025, Johnston approached a man on the street who appeared to need help and asked if he was experiencing homelessness.
When he said yes, Johnston drove him to a heat respite center and helped him contact a relative to meet him there and take him back to their reservation.
Rising temperatures have a large impact on Phoenix’s economy and it is predicted that the average amount of annual maintenance for pavement could increase costs by 4% by the year 2050.
Dangerous heat levels expose the economy by increasing the risk of insufficient water resources, damages to infrastructure and intensifying health risks particularly for outdoor workers and other susceptible groups.
According to 12News, approximately 20% of Phoenix’s workforce works outside with an inadequate amount of air conditioning.
Extreme temperatures, especially over the summer, are expected to significantly decrease productivity in Phoenix’s economy as it is difficult to uphold standards while working in sweltering conditions.
Additionally, heat waves cost Arizona millions of dollars annually with the majority of these costs resulting from heat related deaths and injuries.
According to Mayor Kate Gallego, there was significantly greater federal involvement with homeless operations while they were under President Biden’s administration.
Federal assistance has not been as robust during President Trump’s administration, increasing the need for local assistance this summer.
Phoenix native and music student at the University of Arizona, Will Hall, believes residents have a role in helping others during extreme heat, at least in being aware and compassionate.
“Small actions like supporting local outreach efforts, donating water, or even checking on vulnerable individuals can make a real difference during extreme heat,” said Hall.
The City of Phoenix is partnering with the American Red Cross to implement outreach across senior communities and mobile homes to ensure they are provided with necessary resources and safety information they need for the upcoming summer.
The fire department constantly plays a vital role towards Phoenix’s heat relief efforts.
In harsh weather conditions, the fire department will carry human-sized bags filled with ice water in order to submerge individuals suffering from the heat.
Another consistent contributor to the heat relief efforts that will continue is the community assistance program.
The community assistance program provides Phoenix with volunteers who will provide aid in transporting individuals to heat relief centers, and other tasks.
The City of Phoenix is still in the process of finalizing their plans and strategies to provide heat relief this summer.
Edited by Shi Bradley
