Mohave Today

CHANDLER, Ariz. – The Chandler City Council recently approved a contract extension with the Human Services Department of Maricopa County for heat relief services for the upcoming summer of 2024. The extension will allow the contract to remain effective through December 2024.

Last year Maricopa County made funds available from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support heat relief services in three areas of the County. Neighboring cities were encouraged to collaborate and apply for funding. Chandler partnered with the City of Mesa and oversaw the contract with the County to provide comprehensive services to residents in need — particularly people experiencing homelessness and those who struggled with the expense of air conditioning and sought heat relief during the daytime. A total of $406,996 was expended in FY 2023-24.

Chandler provided the following services to 567 unduplicated Chandler residents from June thru September:

• 1-day respite center at the Salvation Army in Downtown Chandler that was open for 8,619 hours
• 10 cooling stations
• 609 shower services/220 laundry services
• Mobile heat relief services
• 10,232 water bottles distributed
• 13,484 meals and snacks

City staff will work with the County to develop a new scope of work and budget for summer 2024 with the County’s funding. The amendment will come back to City Council for approval. Donations are welcomed throughout the year for water, sunscreen, cooling towels, hats and personal hygiene items.

Donations are welcomed throughout the year for water, sunscreen, cooling towels, hats and personal hygiene items. Donated items may be dropped off at Chandler’s Neighborhood Resources Department at 235 S. Arizona Ave. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Donations also are accepted online year-round at Chandler Heat Relief. 

Media contact:

Stephanie Romero

Public Information Officer, City of Chandler

480-782-2231

Original source can be found here.