Arizona summers can be deadly. In an effort to provide relief from the intense heat, the City of Chandler has partnered with the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Heat Relief Network. The Heat Relief Network includes multiple partners across the Valley — municipal governments, community organizations and nonprofits — all joining forces to open cooling or hydration stations for those in need to get water and heat relief.
The Salvation Army - Chandler Corps is a key partner that provides more than just water. “We are here to serve the community and provide a safe place from the heat during the summer months,” said Captain Regeina Williams. “We offer a no judgment zone at the Salvation Army and everyone is welcome.”
The Salvation Army - Chandler Corps offers more than just water. The heat relief program first started three years ago by her and her husband Captain Jeff Williams. People stopping by for relief feel safe and can even take a nap in the cooling center (which has dimmed lighting while movies play in the background at a low volume). From 10 a.m. to noon, people can take a shower, or from 1-3:30 p.m., eat a home-cooked meal or use their free laundry service. Snacks, water and coffee also are provided at no cost. Bilingual staff are available to assist anyone in need.
The cooling centers are not just for people experiencing homelessness - it also can be a relief to those with a broken A/C unit, vulnerable seniors, or those who can’t afford to turn down the air conditioning in their homes. For those experiencing homelessness who may require or want additional resources, Salvation Army staff ensures they are connected with the City’s Community Navigators to help them with their specific needs.
The Salvation Army - Chandler Corps also operates a mobile outreach program, where staff travels to city parks and bus shelters in both Chandler and Gilbert to make sure people have water. When the 5 p.m. hour hits, staff ensures everyone at the cooling center has enough water and snacks to make it through the night, or they’ll work with I-HELP to assist those who are seeking overnight shelter.
In Chandler, there are multiple city facilities participating with cooling centers, including all library branches, Tumbleweed Recreation Center, Chandler Community Center and more. When there is a heat advisory in effect, the cooling center normally closed during the weekend hours will remain open at the Salvation Army (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
According to Captain Williams, there always is a need for volunteers. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Salvation Army in Chandler, call 480-963-2041. Donations of water also are accepted at all Chandler cooling center locations with the exception of Tumbleweed Recreation Center and the Chandler Nature Center at Veterans Oasis Park. The Salvation Army also accepts donations of socks, undergarments or gently used clothing.
The City of Chandler is grateful for its partners with heat relief efforts. By continuing to work together, we’ll be able to serve those in need — especially during the intense summer months. For tips and additional resources to avoid heat-related illness, or to view a complete list of cooling centers, hydration stations and donation/collection sites throughout the Valley, visit the MAG Heat Relief Network. For more information on the City’s heat relief efforts, contact Sara Mercado at 480-782-4364.
List of cooling centers in Chandler: Open thru Sept. 30
- City of Chandler Neighborhood Resources Department, 235 S. Arizona Ave.
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday
- Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Drive
- 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays
- Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St.
- 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday
- Hamilton Library, 3700 S. Arizona Ave.
- 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 1-5 p.m. Saturday
- Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Road
- 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday
- Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave.
- 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday
- Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Road
- 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6:30 Sunday. Holiday hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Chandler Nature Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road
- 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
- AZCEND, 345 S. California St.
- 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday-Friday; 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday
- The Salvation Army – Chandler Corps, 85 E. Saragosa St.
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday
This list of cooling centers also is available online at Chandler Heat Relief.
This blog also appeared in the June 19 print edition of the SanTan Sun News.