Tempe Water Drive: Everything you need to know about an urgent initiative saving lives

Tempe is launching a bottled water drive to help unsheltered people.

PUBLISHED JUL 9, 2024

June 2024 was the hottest June on record in Phoenix with an average temperature of 97F. (Photo: Pavel Danilyuk)

Tempe, Arizona: As temperatures continue to break records, never a good thing, Tempe is launching a bottled water drive to help unsheltered people and others in need stay hydrated and safe. Tempe offers 10 Cooling Centers around the city. Anyone in need can find a location seven days a week, with day and evening hours. The city is a partner in the regional Heat Relief Network providing safe places for people to cool off and hydrate May 1 through September 30.

Businesses and residents who are able to make larger donations of bottled water can contact the Homeless Solutions team at givehelp@tempe.gov. (Photo: City of Tempe)

Bottled Water Drive

Tempe is launching a bottled water drive through July 31 to help unsheltered people and others in need stay hydrated during the summer. Donations can be dropped off at four locations.

Church of the Epiphany, 2222 S. Price Road: 9am-7pm Monday - Sunday

Community Christian Church, 1701 S. College Ave. (opens July 22): 9am-1pm Monday; 9am-7pm Tuesday - Saturday; 1.30pm-7pm Sunday

University Presbyterian Church, 139 E. Alameda Drive: 9am-4pm Monday; 9am-7pm Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday; 9am-2pm Wednesday; 2-7pm Sunday

Hundred Mile Brewing, 690 N. Scottsdale Road: 11am-9pm Monday-Thursday; 11am–10pm Friday-Saturday; 9am-8pm Sunday

Cooling Centers and HOPE Team

The collected water will support Tempe’s faith-partner Cooling Centers and the city’s HOPE homeless outreach team, which engages with people about shelter and resources.

Partnership with Arizona Faith Network

The Arizona Faith Network, a partner of the City of Tempe, emphasizes the importance of bottled water donations to prevent heat-related illnesses and provide relief to vulnerable community members.

“As a partner of the City of Tempe, the Arizona Faith Network is deeply committed to ensuring that Tempe's Cooling Centers and HOPE team have access to clean, bottled water for those in need,” said the Rev. Katie Sexton, Arizona Faith Network executive director. “During the scorching Arizona summers, these donations are vital in preventing heat-related illnesses and providing much-needed relief to our most vulnerable community members. Every bottle of water donated is an opportunity to give back and save someone's life."

Hundred Mile Brewing Incentive

Hundred Mile Brewing is incentivizing donations by holding a raffle. Donors can drop off 12 packs or larger of bottled water at the brewery, take a photo with the brewing equipment, and tag Hundred Mile on social media to enter a raffle for a $100 gift card, with the winner announced on August 1.

"The City of Tempe is our home. As a local business owner, I am committed to supporting our community. Programs like HOPE enable me and my patrons to help make life a bit more comfortable for others. Thank you, HOPE, for your tireless efforts in assisting the homeless population," said Sue Rigler, Hundred Mile owner and founder.

Why is bottled water such an urgent need?

June 2024 was the hottest June on record in Phoenix with an average temperature of 97F. Maricopa County has seen 13 confirmed heat-related deaths this year, with 162 under investigation. In 2023, heat-related deaths in the county surged by 52%, totaling 645 deaths.