A year ago, Bethesda Community Baptist Church in Phoenix partnered with the state, county and Arizona Faith Network to serve in the heat relief program. They added a new dimension to their spiritual refuge in the desert: a Heat Relief Respite Center.
“When we were presented with the opportunity to become a summer cooling station, I did some research and saw how many heat-related deaths we had in the state and how there was a lack of available resources,” said Anthony Franklin, senior pastor. “That was very concerning to me.”
Offering shelter
The same problem exists in certain areas within the church’s local community due to a high rate of homelessness. The church wanted to be part of the solution by offering shelter from the heat.
“We prayed as leaders and presented the idea to the church,” Franklin said. “Together, we agreed to become a heat relief center.”
The respite center is part of the Heat Relief Regional Network and is listed on the Maricopa Association of Governments website as well as on the website of the Arizona Department of Heatlh Safety.
Place of rest
The church provides a cool, safe place Monday through Friday from noon until 6 p.m. throughout August and September. Each week, Bethesda Community serves 25 to 35 people who come to cool off and enjoy some undisturbed rest.
“We offer water, electrolyte drinks, some snacks, heat relief bags that contain an insulated cup to keep their water cold when they leave the building, hygiene items and a few other things that they may need when they leave,” Franklin said. “If we have clothing available, we will provide it. If not, we can direct people to places that have clothing or other types of assistance.”
A shower truck comes to the church regularly to extend the range of services at the site.
This year, the church received 3,000 bottles of water in partnership with some state, county and city resources.
Ready to respond
Almost everything else provided to guests comes from the church and very generous donations from church members. Last year Arizona Faith Network offered Bethesda Community with personal protective equipment and safety supplies, including gloves and hand sanitizer.
“We have a great group of staff and volunteers from our church who are doing a wonderful job meeting the needs of others,” Franklin said. “They are fully trained each year to handle crisis situations.”
Last year, a heat-weary mother came in with her nonresponsive baby. Volunteers quickly went to work and were able to revive the baby while others comforted and cooled the mother.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Irene A. Harkleroad and originally published by Arizona’s Portraits.
