Phoenix mission preparing to help homeless in summer
May 2, 2013, 5:00 AM | Updated: 11:16 am
PHOENIX — The warmer weather could make things tough on the Valley’s homeless.
The Phoenix Rescue Mission said that data from the Maricopa Association of Governments shows 13,248 men, women and children are homeless in Maricopa County. Arizona ranks as the fourth-worst state in the nation for homelessness.
The mission began its “Code Red: Summer Heat Relief Campaign” this week. The event sends trucks all over the Valley to give items to the homeless.
“What I do is take water out, food, and hygiene kits,” said Chaplain Clifford Danley, who is one of the drivers. “Then I engage them in a conversation about what the Phoenix Rescue Mission does. It’s not uncommon to bring people back and get them to the shelter and get them out of the heat and give them a hot meal and a bed.”
Danley said he gives goods out all over the Valley.
“I’ve gone to parks out in Glendale. I’ve traveled canals. I’ve gone into underpasses,” he Danley. “I have a lot of places where I know the folks are, where they tend to have their little campsites and that type of thing. I’ve even gone into alleys. I know where the alleys are.”
Danley knows from experience. He was homeless and addicted to drugs when someone brought him to the Phoenix Rescue Mission in 2005. He said that changed his life forever.
The Phoenix Rescue Mission said it needs, in addition to water, volunteers and donations of toiletrees, socks and other items to help the homeless battle the heat. Those who want more information should call (602) 346-3342.
Items can also be dropped off at the following locations:
• All Starbucks locations in Chandler, Tempe and Gilbert
• Fire Station 151: 6851 N. 52nd Avenue, Glendale
• Fire Station 152: 6850 W. Bethany Home, Glendale
• Fire Station 153: 14061 N. 59th Ave., Glendale
• Fire Station 154: 4439 W. Peoria Ave., Glendale
• Fire Station 155: 6255 W. Union Hills, Glendale
• Fire Station 156: 6801 W. Deer Valley Rd., Glendale
• Fire Station 157: 9658 N. 59th Ave., Glendale
• Fire Station 158: 6261 N. 83rd Ave., Glendale
• Fire Station 159: 17159 N. 63rd Ave., Glendale
• Lerner & Row: 2701 E. Camelback Road, Suite 140, Phoenix
• Lerner & Row: 535 E. McKellips Road, Building 2, Suite 105, Mesa
• Lerner & Row: 5525 W. Glendale, Suite 201, Glendale
• Lerner & Row: 7200 W. Bell Road, Suite D-2, Glendale
