Thirst Aid
Heat Relief At Key Campus
In Maricopa County, summer heat is deadly. A preliminary report from Maricopa Association of Governments notes that 645 people passed from heat-related illness in 2023 — a 52% increase from 2022. Many of these deaths occurred in the neighborhood surrounding Key Campus, as the population of people experiencing homelessness has increased 46% since 2019.
Heat relief efforts and supplies save lives. You can help.
5 Ways You Can Help
In partnership with several agencies and organizations, Key Campus is part of a wide-reaching network of programs and resources for heat relief and respite. Everyone has a part to play in keeping each other safe this summer. Explore how you can help below, and discover more resources through the Heat Relief Network organized by Maricopa Association of Governments.
1. Donate Water
Key Campus needs over 120,000 bottles of water each month during the summer to serve the clients receiving services with any of our 15 partners. Between regular outreach in the community and the 1,200+ people that come through our gates daily, bottled water is our most needed resource. Big thanks to St. Joseph the Worker, who started Thirst Aid when they saw that job-seekers needed help staying safe in their employment through the summer months.
Please visit our Thirst Aid Public Water Drop-off listed below OR call to schedule a donation drop-off during business hours – 602-282-0849
Thirst Aid Public Water Drop-off
Months: May, June, July, August, and September
Day: First Saturday of the Month (Next: June 1st in cooperation with Circle the City)
Time: 9am-12pm
Where: 1300 W Harrison St Phoenix, AZ 85007
2. Donate Funds
Key Campus has a contracted rate for bottled water delivered to our Campus. Your funds go directly toward that purpose as we supply water across the Campus and in the neighborhood.
Start your own peer-to-peer fundraiser to spread the word on our behalf!
3. Donate Supplies
Our 24/7 Welcome Center, Multi-Disciplinary Outreach Team, and Fresh Start Clothing Closet on Campus are vital resources that require essential supplies around the clock. We appreciate donations of assembled Heat Relief Kits as well as the individual items listed below.
Donations Needed:
- Insulated Water Bottles (the bigger, the better)
- Sunscreen
- Chapstick (+SPF)
- Cooling Wraps
- Solid Gray Bandanas (no color or pattern)
- Socks
- Shoes
- Underwear
- Adult Clothing (especially men’s pants)
- Pet Supplies
4. Host a Drive
Leverage the power of your community and organize a donate drive! Mobilize your church community, workplace, event attendees, or neighborhood association and pull together resources for Key Campus.
Please complete the form [here] to indicate your interest and we will reach out as soon as possible to get coordinated with collateral and logistics.
5. Volunteer
There are many ways to get involved directly to save lives this summer. Below are just a few opportunities – be sure to check out our volunteer page for opportunities within Key Campus.
Volunteer Opportunities
- Help distribute water and supplies across the Valley and in our neighborhood (learn more)
- Host a heat relief, respite, or donation site with the Heat Relief Network (learn more)
- Volunteer at Project Connect (learn more)
Other Resources
One simple way to help keep people in your community safe is to keep extra bottled water at hand when going out for the day – one frozen bottle and one ready-to-drink can help keep someone hydrated and keep their body temperature regulated. Go to Summer Heat Safety for more information about heat exhaustion.
This piece was republished from Keys to Change.