missions

Heat Respite 2021

Grace Lutheran Needs Our Help

“For truly I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.” Mark 9:41

How To Help

Grace in the City

In the summer of 2005, 80 people died from heat related complications in Phoenix. Grace Lutheran Church, located in the heart of Phoenix at 3rd & Roosevelt, immediately stepped up and started a heat respite program from June to August each summer.

In 2017 Grace served more than 10,000 participants over 60 days with the help of more than 150 volunteers. The number of folks served increases each summer and we can only expect the need will be immense in 2021.

At Shepherd of the Hills, we have been a ministry partner with Grace Lutheran for many years, collecting water and monetary donations from our congregation and the Fountain Hills community to support their important work.

It costs over $24,000 to support this summer program with expenses including food, water, electric, and the operational costs of remaining open 9 to 5.

Grace faced many challenges in 2020 as the church closed as did the facility where they served the homeless population.

Unfortunately, 500 people died in Phoenix, half related to heat complications because they no longer had places to go to that were cool.

This year, Heat Respite will provide hydration, respite and wellness checks during the summer months with the goal of preventing heat related and heat caused deaths among the homeless and other vulnerable populations.

They Need Our Help

How to Help

Water or Monetary Donations

Bottled water and monetary donations are being accepted during the summer months at our Sunday morning services or Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 4 pm at the church office.

We are located at 16150 East El Lago Blvd (corner of El Lago and Fountain Hills Blvds).

Food Donations

We are also collecting snack food with which to fill sack lunches. We are seeking soft snacks, juice boxes, fruit cups and anything else small enough to slip into a sack lunch.

These donations can also be brought to the church on Sunday morning or to the church office during office hours.