For many of our neighbors experiencing homelessness, SVdP’s weather relief shelter is their only way to get off the street at night

By Troy Hill

Last year, more than 400 people died as a result from heat-related illness, and half of those were people experiencing homelessness. That’s why SVdP continues to step up to the rising need as the summer heat continues to grow more intense throughout the year by providing overnight heat relief shelter at its Phoenix Dining Room (PDR). 

Originally, PDR was empty overnight, but two years ago, in light of the rise of heat-related deaths in the Valley and in the homeless population, SVdP leadership decided to open up the dining room to our neighbors in need so they could escape the heat overnight. With 170 cots set up every night, guests are able to sleep in a safe, stable, climate-controlled environment instead of having to risk their life and possessions by sleeping on the street. 

Watch the full video above to see what staying in the overnight shelter is like for our guests and how SVdP helps them through the most brutal time of year.