Chandler, Arizona, is bracing for the scorching summer months with a series of heat relief services slated to begin on May 1. In anticipation of the searing temperatures, the City Council has reached an intergovernmental agreement with Maricopa County, ensuring residents have access to cool spaces and hydration to beat the heat, according to a statement from the city's official website.
The agreement, hammered out during an April 4 Council meeting, avails $218,132 in American Rescue Act Plan funds to the cause. This sum is designated for respite from sweltering conditions stretching from the start of May until the end of September, and even holds room for potential future funding and services enhancements. The day respite center, located at the Salvation Army Chandler Corps, is set to operate from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays too when the mercury levels push past the excessive heat warning threshold.
Not just a cool haven, the center promises air-conditioning, snacks, and vital hydration alongside amenities like restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Those in need can also lean on the expertise of Chandler’s Community Navigation Team, ready to provide additional resources. The city's benevolence extends to transportation arrangements, which can be organized by getting in touch with Solari at 2-1-1, a clear sign of the community’s commitment to ensuring no one is left to languish in the desert heat.
Helping to supplement the day respite center, eight cooling locations will welcome folks in need during their operational hours. Locations include libraries and community centers spread across the city – from the Basha Library to the Tumbleweed Recreation Center – each a bastion against the relentless Arizona sun. Last year's efforts, a collaboration between Chandler and neighboring Mesa, saw 1,818 unique individuals benefitting from the services. 2024's solo venture by Chandler, driven by individual funding from Maricopa County's Department of Public Health, leans into the personal in the face of a heat season forecasted to deliver above-normal temperatures, as reported on the city's website.
Crucial services like these have become increasingly significant as temperature trends continue to tilt toward extremes. The outreach and readiness demonstrated by Chandler stand as a testament to a community eager to protect its own. For anyone aiming to get involved or donate to the Maricopa County Heat Relief Network, Chandler Heat Relief provides resources for coordination.
