Friday, April 30, 12 noon
Summer 2020 marked the hottest summer on record for Arizona. Maricopa County experienced 53 days of temperatures above 110 degrees or higher and 145 days of 100 degrees or higher. The month of August 2020 marked the hottest month ever recorded in Maricopa County.
In response to rising temperatures and the needs of the most vulnerable in our community, Arizona Faith Network has launched an initiative to help establish cooling centers and hydration stations throughout the valley. In partnership with Arizona State University, Maricopa Association of Governments, the Salvation Army, and our faith-based organizations AFN's goal is to establish 10 new cooling centers throughout Maricopa County. These cooling centers will be strategically placed in areas with heat vulnerable residents as determined in partnership with Arizona State University and the Heat Relief Network. Our coalition is working hard to provide resources, volunteer, and administrative support to help communities become faith-based cooling center locations. This is an excellent way to serve your neighbors as temperatures rise throughout this summer. Join us for our upcoming Lunch and Learn Session on How to become a Cooling Center, Friday, April 30th at 12:00 p.m.
Speakers include: Brande Mead, Human Services Director, Maricopa Association of Governments, Melissa Guardaro, Ph.D., Asst. Research Professor, Healthy Urban Environments Initiative, Arizona State University, Alicia Jerger, Sr. Recreation Coordinator, City of Tempe Westside Multigen Center, and leaders from Arizona Faith Network's Staff and Cherishing Creation Collaborative.