PHOENIX — A Valley nonprofit announced that it rescued more than 700 unhoused people who were living on the streets during the hottest months of the year.

On Thursday, the Phoenix Rescue Mission (PRM) announced the results of its annual Code:Red heat relief campaign, which ran from May 1 to Oct. 15.

The mission said it rescued a total of 712 people during that time period by helping them find temporary or permanent housing or by enrolling them in a recovery program.

More details about the Code:Red heat relief campaign

While rescuing those who are unhoused from the heat is the main goal of the heat relief campaign, PRM also brings aid to people by handing out water bottles and Hope Totes, which are tote bags containing personal hygiene items.

Over the course of the campaign, PRM said it handed out more than 1.4 million water bottles, surpassing its goal of 1 million. It also gave out more than 12,500 Hope Totes.

Churches and community members from around the Valley helped make that possible by donating cases of water, hygiene supplies and money.

“Every summer, we’re reminded of community and compassion,” PRM CEO Ken Brissa said in a press release. “When temperatures soar, so does the urgency to act, and our neighbors never fail to rise to the occasion.”

Additionally, PRM partnered with cities around the Valley, including Avondale, El Mirage, Glendale, Goodyear, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Surprise, to bring relief to those who were living on the streets during the summer months.

Maricopa County on track to see decline in heat-related deaths

One of the major reasons PRM launched its heat relief campaign was to help cut down on heat-related deaths in Maricopa County. It appears to be working.

According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH), the county is on track to see a decline in heat-related deaths for the second straight year.

After peaking at 645 heat-related deaths in 2023, the county confirmed 602 in 2024.

So far in 2025, 293 deaths have been confirmed to be heat-related in Maricopa County and another 203 are under investigation, according to MCDPH.

At this time last year, 429 heat-related deaths had been confirmed and 241 were under investigation.

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