Throughout Arizona, it’s not uncommon to see people experiencing homelessness seeking refuge in parks, desert and forest areas, and even along sidewalks. But where do they go when outdoor temperatures become unbearable and even deadly?
The Struggle of Being Homeless in Hot Weather
The answer to this question is complex. With homeless shelters often at capacity, the only other option is to find public spaces where the temperature is cooler.
The majority of these public spaces, however, are for-profit businesses that require people to spend money and consider it loitering when they don’t. This can lead to unfair legal trouble that makes it even harder for a person to get out of homelessness.
Barriers like these can keep people from getting help and result in heat-related deaths that are preventable with the right resources. In 2023, people experiencing homelessness accounted for nearly half of the record 645 heat-related deaths in Maricopa County alone.
Taking Action During Excessive Heat
On July 19, 2024, the Legacy Foundation Christine Stamper Center for Help & Hope, a homeless shelter and resource center operated by Catholic Charities, responded to a call from Bullhead City officials to help amid excessive heat warnings. At a homeless task force meeting, the city explained that people were dying of heat exposure at an alarming rate.
The shelter, which sleeps 48 individuals and 3 families on a nightly basis, quickly came up with a plan. On days with excessive heat warnings (over 115 degrees), they would keep the back patio open overnight for those without a cool place to sleep. The patio, which is shaded and has misters, provides much-needed relief from the heat.
The Shelter’s Plan Saves Lives
Starting on the night of July 19, shelter staff began opening the back patio to guests. The shelter used Facebook and word of mouth to share this news, the community responded with donations of heat relief supplies. Each night, they successfully housed between 13 and 20 people on the back patio.
Staff bought pillows and blankets for guests who didn’t have their own. The guests could also access a nutritious breakfast and snacks the next morning.
To provide further assistance during the heat wave, the Center extended day services from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. daily through the end of September. This means that day guests were not required to leave until after the sun had set.
Support the Bullhead City Shelter
None of this important work is possible without the support of our community. If you’d like to help, donating items through our Amazon Charity List is an easy way to ensure those in our shelter have access to life-saving resources.
