COMMUNITY RESILIENCE AND HEAT RELIEF
Extreme heat is a growing threat in Arizona, especially in Maricopa County. To combat this, Arizona Faith Network has teamed up with key partners to create faith-based heat respite, hydration, cooling, and heat relief centers. As of September 12th, AFN has welcomed over 38,000 visits to 17 heat respite centers during the 2024 heat season. Strategically located in high-risk areas, these centers—established in collaboration with Arizona State University and the Heat Relief Network—are vital in providing life-saving resources to those hit hardest by extreme heat.
Our success wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our partners. Together, we work across faith traditions, locations, and with volunteers, as well as city, county, and state entities to make these centers accessible and impactful. Looking ahead, AFN is expanding these heat relief centers into vibrant faith-based community resilience hubs. These hubs will do more than provide heat relief—they’ll tackle the broader challenges of the climate crisis and systemic inequalities. By building local capacity and strengthening community networks, these hubs will empower vulnerable populations, fostering resilience in the face of environmental and social challenges.
Connect with our Community Resilience Manager, Arene Rushdan, who is in charge of this amazing work.
2025 AFN HEAT RESPITE CENTERS
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OPENS MAY 5, 2025
Open Daily, 8 am - 8 pm, Cooling Center, located at 1818 W Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85007.
Center is ran in partnership between AFN and the State of Arizona.
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NOT YET OPEN - OPENING DATE TBA 2025
Open Daily, 8 am - 8 pm, Cooling Center, Indoor, air-conditioned locations that offer hydration, located at 1601 W Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85007.
Center is ran in partnership between AFN and the State of Arizona.
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OPENS JUNE 1, 2025
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 12 - 8 pm, Pets Welcome, Heat Respite Center, located at 1407 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
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OPENS MAY 1, 2025
Open Monday - Saturday, 12 pm - 8 pm, Pets Welcome, Heat Respite Center, located at 6242 N 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301
Center is ran in partnership between AFN and the City of Glendale.
(Iglesia Dios De Segunda Oportunidad Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
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OPENS JUNE 1, 2025
Open Monday, Thursday, Saturday, 12 - 8 pm, Pets Welcome, Heat Respite Center, located at 1124 N 3rd St STE A, Phoenix, AZ 85004 (Closes August 10)
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OPENS MAY 15, 2025
Open Monday - Saturday, 12 pm - 8 pm, Pets Welcome, Heat Respite Center, located at 10614 N 43rd Ave, Glendale, AZ 85304.
Center is ran in partnership between AFN and Maricopa County Public Health.
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OPENS JUNE 1, 2025
Open Daily, 6 am - 7:30 pm, Pets Welcome, Heat Respite Center, located at 1001 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85007
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OPENS MAY 15, 2025
Item descriptionOpen Monday - Friday, 12 pm - 8 pm, Pets Welcome, Heat Respite Center, located at 7205 N 51st Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301.
Center is ran in partnership between AFN and the City of Glendale.
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OPENS MAY 5, 2025
Open Monday - Saturday, 9 am - 7 pm, Sunday, 2 pm - 7 pm Pets Welcome, Heat Respite Center, located at 2222 S Price Rd, Tempe, AZ 85282
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OPENS MAY 15, 2025
Open Monday - Friday, 12 pm - 6 pm, Pets Welcome, Heat Respite Center, located at 750 E Southern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85040
Click the buttons below to view the complete Heat Relief Maps for each county, including all available heat relief locations.
GET INVOLVED IN AFN’S HEAT RELIEF EFFORTS
Arizona summers are deadly—and for our neighbors experiencing homelessness or heat vulnerability, access to water, shade, and compassion can be life-saving. That’s why AFN coordinates a Heat Relief and Respite Program each year to offer cooling, hydration, safety, and community care across the Valley.
Last year alone, we saw over 48,000 heat relief visits across our sites. In 2025, we need your help more than ever. Please read below to find ways you can get involved.
Make a Financial Gift
Your donation keeps sites open, staffed, and supplied with water, snacks, and critical care items. You can also sponsor a site for a day or a week.
Click here to give
Volunteer at a Heat Relief Site
Offer a smile, a cold bottle of water, and a safe, welcoming space. Volunteers are essential to creating a compassionate presence at our respite centers.
Click here to volunteer
Donate Water & Supplies
High-need items include: Bottled water (most urgent!), cooling towels, hats, sunscreen, umbrellas, hygiene kits (wipes, deodorant, lip balm), nonperishable snacks.
Drop-off locations and full list can be found on this page above.
Host a Community Supply Drive
Engage your congregation, office, or neighborhood to collect supplies. We’ll support your drive with flyers and coordinate drop-off or pickup.
Become a Site Partner
If your organization has a cool space and caring volunteers, consider becoming a host site. AFN provides signage, training, and operational guidance.
Attend a Training
Our trainings help volunteers and community members understand the impact of extreme heat and how to respond with care and dignity.
Offer Your Professional Skills
Medical professionals, mental health providers, social workers, and chaplains can make a vital difference for guests in need of deeper care.
Spread the Word
Help us get the word out! Share our updates and flyers on social media or in your community. Awareness can save lives.
Pray and Advocate
Keep our neighbors in your prayers, and take action for systemic change. AFN provides tools for faith-rooted advocacy around housing and climate justice.