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Summer Heat Relief

Why does Code:Red matter?

Each summer, extreme heat puts people experiencing homelessness across the Valley at risk of losing their lives. Without access to water, shade, or care, even one day in the heat can become deadly.

Code:Red brings communities together to deliver life-saving water, care, and connection directly to those in need.

- Ken Brissa, CEO

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Wateris Just the Start

Homeless and battling addiction, Rasha spent almost 30 summers on the streets of Phoenix. “Summers are difficult and exhausting,” Rasha says. “You have to run to every shady spot on the ground, just to try to stay cool. . .That's why we're under bridges and in tunnels — because of the shade.” The only reason she survived is simple: water. “You run to every shady spot just to stay cool,” she said. “That's why we were under bridges and in tunnels, because of the shade. But even in the shade, there’s no relief. I remember feeling drained and hopeless—until someone came with water. That moment meant everything.”

Wateris Just the Start

That “someone” was one of our Case Managers—and the generosity of someone like you made it possible. Rasha is a great example of how a little love goes a long way. After the help she received, she came to the Mission and went through our life-changing year-long recovery program. Now she’s off the streets, sober, and has joined our team of Street Outreach Case Managers. She’s hitting the streets for Code:Red this summer! “I just feel like the best way to use my whole life is to put it into good use — helping others that may feel that there's nobody out there to help them,” she says.

Wateris Just the Start

Above the treeline, the world is reduced to its essentials — ice, wind, and the extraordinary spectacle of stars undimmed by city glow.

Wateris Just the Start

Homeless and battling addiction, Rasha spent almost 30 summers on the streets of Phoenix. “Summers are difficult and exhausting,” Rasha says. “You have to run to every shady spot on the ground, just to try to stay cool. . .That's why we're under bridges and in tunnels — because of the shade.” The only reason she survived is simple: water. “You run to every shady spot just to stay cool,” she said. “That's why we were under bridges and in tunnels, because of the shade. But even in the shade, there’s no relief. I remember feeling drained and hopeless—until someone came with water. That moment meant everything.”

In Maricopa County

The Deadly Summer Heat

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Because of you, our Street Outreach team rescued 1,363 people from the streets in 2025 – 30.6% more than the year before! And, for the 2nd time in a row, the number of deaths went down!

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Join Code:Red Now!

Every dollar you give will help provide life-saving water, Hope Tote hygiene kits, and critical care for someone experiencing homelessness in the Valley.

Your gift today will not only help save lives by helping people escape the dangerous summer heat. It will also help them get connected to the Mission, where hope and healing are found.

It may sound simple, but a bottle of water or a hygiene kit really can lead to a whole new life!

Give Water. Save Lives.

Help Us Meet Our Goal of 2,000,000 Water Bottles

Because of incredible partners like you, for the 1st time ever, in 2025, we exceeded our goal of distributing over 1,000,000 water bottles to neighbors in need across the Valley.

This summer, we are looking to help even more neighbors. Will you join us and help distribute 2,000,000 bottles of water this summer?

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Water Drop-Off Locations

You can save lives through donating water this summer!

The next time you’re at the grocery store, consider buying an extra pack of water bottles to help us distribute to our neighbors in need. Every drop can help save a life!

Please check the map below for drop-off locations, and the dates and times they're available.

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Get Involved

Other Ways to Help

Spread the Word

Extreme heat is life-threatening for our neighbors on the streets—and spreading the word can save lives. The more people who know about Phoenix Rescue Mission’s heat relief efforts, the more impact we can make together. It takes all of us—businesses, churches, families, and individuals across the Valley—working together to reach those in danger. Share this message, tell a friend, or post about Code:Red. Your voice could help save a life this summer.

Host a Water Drive

Pick a time and location and challenge people at work, church, school and in your neighborhood to drop off as many cases of water as they can. The 16.9 ounce size bottles are the most convenient for handing out on the streets. We can’t have too many!

Help Us Fundraise

Our peer-to-peer online fundraising tool is an easy way to ask others to get involved in saving lives. We’ve made it as simple as possible for you to create a page, set a goal, and invite friends, family and co-workers to join, too.