TEMPE — A one-time donation of more than $61,000 to the Tempe Community Action Agency is keeping a local cooling center open this week as the Salt River Valley contends with an extended stretch of dangerous heat, agency officials said.
Relief for vulnerable residents
The Church of Epiphany’s cooling center is operating Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., providing a place for people to rest, hydrate and access basic resources, according to the Tempe Community Action Agency and center participants. Organizers say the gift will help cover staffing, supplies and utilities so residents on fixed incomes and people without reliable indoor cooling can avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
“In these extreme temperatures here in Arizona, we need a place for our most vulnerable population to be able to get a break from the heat,” said Xavier Gonzalez, associate director of programs for the Tempe Community Action Agency. He noted that households on fixed incomes sometimes avoid running air conditioning all day because of the cost.
“I am here today at this cooling center to find relief and peace from the heat so that I don't die, because Arizona is very hot,” said participant Elevar Maximus.
Services and needs
Tempe Community Action Agency staff say the cooling center offers more than air-conditioned space: it provides water, snacks, hygiene products and connections to local services. Volunteers help operate the site and distribute donated goods. The agency also is asking the public for continued support in the form of volunteers and donations.
- Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Primary site: Church of Epiphany (cooling center)
- Donation: more than $61,000 to Tempe Community Action Agency
Gonzalez encouraged residents who can give to consider donating bottled water, nonperishable snacks, sunscreen and personal-hygiene items. The agency also seeks volunteers to staff the center, especially during peak afternoon hours when temperatures are highest.
Context: heat-related impacts in Maricopa County
Public-health officials say heat remains a leading cause of weather-related mortality in the region. So far this year, Maricopa County has recorded 63 heat-related deaths, with hundreds more deaths under investigation to determine whether heat was a factor, according to the information shared by the cooling-center report.
The donation comes as communities across the Valley grapple with how to protect people who are most at risk: seniors, people with chronic medical conditions, those who work outdoors and residents without reliable access to cooled indoor spaces.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Donor | Tempe Community Action Agency (recipient of $61,000+ donation) |
| Site | Church of Epiphany cooling center |
| Hours | Mon–Sat, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. |
Local social-service providers say cooling centers play a dual role during heat waves: preventing immediate heat illness and offering an entry point for people to learn about longer-term assistance, such as utility-bill support or housing referrals. That wraparound support can reduce the pressure that leads households to choose between paying bills and running air conditioning.
Tempe Community Action Agency officials say they will continue to monitor demand and coordinate with volunteers and partner organizations to keep the center staffed. Residents who need relief from the heat or want to help are encouraged to contact the agency directly to confirm hours and donation needs.
As temperatures remain elevated, public-health guidance urges people to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during the hottest hours, check on neighbors and seek cooled public spaces when home air conditioning is inadequate.
