When the temperatures soar and the hot summer days are upon us, many homeless people who live on the streets do not have their basic needs met.
The city of Phoenix is asking people to donate the following items - unopened water bottles, sunscreen, new underwear, white socks, white T-shirts and pre-packaged snack items such as individually wrapped cookies and crackers - that will be distributed to the homeless. Cash or check donations to supplement the donated items also are welcomed. The program runs from June 2 to Sept. 30.
“Arizona’s hot summer days coupled with hot summer nights can be devastating to people who are unable to avoid them. Older people, children and people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to extreme temperatures,” said Councilman Greg Stanton, who chairs the City Council Parks, Education, Bio-Science and Sustainability Subcommittee. “We're asking the community to assist us by donating items that will keep those who are most vulnerable cool and protected during the long hot summer.”
Tax-deductible donations may be delivered to the city's four Family Services Centers: Travis L. Williams, 4732 S. Central Ave., 602-534-4732; John F. Long, 3454 N. 51st Ave., 602-262-6510; Central Phoenix, 1250 S. Seventh Ave., 602-534-1250; and Sunnyslope, 914 W. Hatcher Road, 602-495-5229. The centers are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.
The donated items are distributed by local homeless outreach teams from Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development, Stand Up for Kids, Basic Mission, Community Bridges, HomeBase Youth Services, The Salvation Army Project HOPE, Health Care for the Homeless, TERROS, Southwest Behavioral Health Service/PATH Outreach and US Vets.
For more information, call 602-262-4520.
