Where to find heat relief in Maricopa County
Author: Kyra O’Connor
Updated: 4:26 PM PDT April 30, 2026
MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. — The Maricopa County Heat Relief Network is officially open starting May 1, providing more than 200 free, cooled spaces during the hottest months of the year.
The Heat Relief Network is run by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health and the Maricopa Association of Governments. The cooled spaces will be open from May 1 to Sep. 30, and include indoor cooling centers, respite sites, hydration stations, and spots for people to drop off donations.
The interactive Heat Relief Map allows residents to find sites that fit their needs, learn more about the hours of operation or services offered, and can even see if a site is pet-friendly.
“Heat affects every corner of our community, and preventing heat-related deaths takes effort from all of us,” Kelli Donley Williams, MCDPH deputy director, said in a news release. “When people know where to find help and feel supported, it makes a real difference. That’s why it’s so important that residents know their risk, know where to go for relief, and look out for one another.”
The Heat Relief Network also assists by phone for those who need help at home. Residents can call 2-1-1 to be connected with a live operator who can take calls in English and in Spanish from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Transportation assistance to and from heat relief sites is also available for those who are eligible.
“Extreme heat is one of the most serious, predictable challenges our region faces each year, and providing relief requires a strong collaborative response,” MAG Executive Director Audra Koester Thomas said in a news release. “The Heat Relief Network exemplifies the power of regionalism by bringing together partners across Maricopa County to ensure residents know where to go, how to stay safe, and that help is within reach during hot summer days.”
Businesses, faith-based organizations, and community agencies can still get involved by registering themselves as a cooling center, respite center, hydration station, or donation drop-off site by completing this form. Once approved, the new site will be added to the Heat Relief network map, which updates throughout the season.
Nonprofits and community organizations can also get involved by volunteering to distribute water, provide heat safety education and connecting individuals to nearby heat relief services. To learn more about outreach opportunities, check out the Heat Relief network website here.