100 Days of Summer campaign returns as heat relief kicks off amid dwindling funding
St. Vincent de Paul's 100 Days of Summer returns at a a critical time to rally aid for the most vulnerable community members as pandemic-era federal funding draws to an end. Each summer month is dedicated to a high-need item, encouraging the community to follow and support the nonprofit for 100 days during the charity's toughest season of need.
June = Water
July = Food
August = Shelter
This season kicks off with three important events:
1. Ribbon cutting in celebration of the near completion of SVdP's newest transitional housing building and programs
The $20-milion building is made possible by funding from City of Phoenix, Maricopa County, and the State of Arizona, as well as private donations. The 50,000 square-feet building will feature 171 beds total through a transitional housing facility named De Paul Manor with 100 beds, a 71 shelter space dedicated to workforce housing called Rosalie's Place, a Workforce Development Program, and a Companion Animal Clinic in partnership with Midwestern University Animal Health Institute. Read the full announcement here...
2. Heat relief services
SVdP heat relief operations have already begun in some locations, and will be in full swing by June 1, running through Sept. 30. Learn about SVdP's cooling stations, as well as daytime heat relief locations and hours. Find out more here...
3. Community water drive
One of the first opportunities to participate in SVdP’s 100 Days of Summer starts with our annual ABC15 Water Drive in partnership with Arizona 61, Bashas’ and Food City. For the month of June, SVdP is asking the community to donate online at stvincentdepaul.net/water or at the register of their local Bashas’ or Food City. Find out more here...
“Last year our community saw a record number of heat-related deaths, as we all experienced days on end above 110 degrees,” SVdP’s Rob and Melani Walton Endowed CEO Shannon Clancy says. “This year, we have the opportunity to come together as a community to protect and save our most vulnerable neighbors living on the street and vulnerable families in homes making the decision between paying for their air conditioning or putting food on the table. Each of us can make a difference. We hope you’ll join us in making St. Vincent de Paul’s increased and critical summer aid possible."
In 2023, Maricopa County recorded more than 645 heat-related deaths, a 52% increase from 2022, 45% of whom were people experiencing homelessness. Equally concerning are families behind on bills being forced onto the streets mid-summer when the heat is life-threatening. Low-income families already face typical summer challenges with higher utility bills, increased childcare costs and limited access to school food programs.
By staying engaged and supporting 100 Days of Summer, the community can help SVdP respond to all these increased summer needs.
Visit stvincentdepaul.net/100-days-summer to learn more and get started.
