Northeast Valley Consortium (NEVC) Kicks Off Second Annual Heat Respite Project

Ascension Lutheran, Scottsdale (top photos) and New Journey, Fountain Hills (lower photos) launched the second year of NEVC provision of lunches, water pallets, and electrolyte powder to Arizona Faith Network (AFN) cooling centers. Christ the Lord in Carefree, plus Living Water and New Covenant Lutheran Churches in Scottsdale join in the summer calendar of lunch packs. From June 2 through August 4, one congregation each week delivers 200 lunches on Monday mornings to First United Church of Christ, Central Phoenix. From August 11 into September, provisions will go to Wesley United Methodist Church, South Phoenix. The Northeast Valley Consortium heat respite project is funded by a grant from Ascension Lutheran Church, Thrivent, and congregational donors, with dry snacks donated to-date by Foothills Food Bank in Cave Creek.

Some of the lessons of the project include the fragility of the heat respite network. For example, as one site might need to close due to its constraints, unhoused persons need to migrate to another location. While refrigeration and storage can be challenging, the network leaders across heat respite locations are very cooperative in sharing provisions so nothing is wasted. And, indeed, hunger needs are significant; as we investigated potential partners for the 2025 project, multiple organizations hoped for lunches or other food and water support.

AFN and other heat respite efforts show signs of positive impact. While 608 people died in Maricopa County due to heat in 2024, that number – despite last summer’s increase in extreme heat days – was down from 645 in 2023 (check this link for an informative county report).

Small step actions: If you’re working at your church location, consider opening a door and posting a sign that water is available for those who might stop by. Spread the word that 2-1-1 is Arizona’s heat emergency number.

Bigger step action: Learn more about, and join in advocacy for, the Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act of 2025, co-sponsored by Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego and Massachusetts Senator Edward Markey, and sponsored in the House by Arizona’s Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari.