In the heart of Arizona, a summer day can feel less like a season and more like a force of nature. For our unhoused neighbors, particularly those in Phoenix and Tucson, this brutal heat is not an abstract threat; it is a daily, life-threatening reality. And for those who share this struggle with a four-legged family member, the stakes are even higher. The bond between a person experiencing homelessness and their pet is a powerful one, often a sole source of unconditional love and comfort in a world of hardship. But this bond creates an impossible choice: a person must choose between the limited, pet-free shelter options available or staying on the streets with their loyal companion.

The grim statistics from Maricopa County paint a harrowing picture. Heat-related deaths among people experiencing homelessness have skyrocketed, making them a disproportionately vulnerable population. According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health’s 2023 report, nearly half of all heat-related deaths in the county were among individuals experiencing homelessness, and a separate analysis found that this group faces a risk of dying from heat exposure that is “500 times higher” than the general population. The story is no different in Pima County, where Tucson is grappling with a similar surge in heat-related fatalities. The numbers are more than just data points; they represent real people and real lives cut short by a crisis of both climate and community.

This tragedy is compounded by a disturbing question of accountability. Reports have raised concerns about the use of federal funds intended to combat homelessness. These funds, provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, are meant to be a lifeline—to build more shelters, create transitional housing, and offer resources that provide a path out of the heat and off the streets. When these funds are not used for their intended purpose, the consequences are felt directly by those who need them most. The alleged misappropriation of these critical resources is not just a bureaucratic failure; it’s a moral one. It suggests that a system designed to help is instead contributing to the very suffering it was meant to alleviate.

The stories behind the statistics are a testament to human resilience and the profound bond with animals. There’s the person who carries gallons of water for both themselves and their dog, carefully rationing every drop. There’s the individual who turns down a spot in a shelter because they refuse to leave their cat behind. These are not just people; they are families. And in their plight, they highlight a critical gap in our social safety net.

We must do better. We must demand transparency and accountability from our local governments to ensure that every dollar intended for homeless services is used to create real solutions—not just to build more buildings, but to build more hope. We must advocate for more inclusive shelter policies that understand the vital role pets play in the lives of their owners. The Arizona sun is a relentless force, but it should not be a death sentence. By addressing both the direct threat of the heat and the systemic failures that leave people exposed, we can begin to create a community where everyone, including our most vulnerable neighbors and their faithful companions, has a safe place to call home.

Resources:

For those in crisis, or for community members looking to assist, here are some vital resources for cooling and support in the Phoenix and Tucson areas.

For Phoenix & Maricopa County

• Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Heat Relief Network: This network provides an interactive map and directory of cooling centers, respite centers, and hydration stations throughout the Valley. Many of these sites are churches and community centers that welcome all. You can also call 2-1-1 for free assistance and information.
• Arizona Faith Network: A number of their Heat Respite Centers in the Phoenix area are pet-friendly. Locations like First Church UCC Phoenix and Grace Lutheran Church often open their doors to people and their pets. It’s best to check their website or call ahead for the most current information. https://www.arizonafaithnetwork.org
• The Arizona Pet Project: This organization is dedicated to keeping pets with the people who love and need them most. They connect vulnerable community members with services and resources to prevent the surrender of their animals. https://azpetproject.org
• Lost Our Home Pet Rescue: This organization offers a temporary care program for families in need of a short-term home for their pets. This can be a critical resource for someone seeking shelter that doesn’t allow animals.
• Contact Info 2323 S Hardy Drive
  Tempe, AZ 85282
  602.445.7387
  help@lostourhome.org

For Tucson & Pima County

• City of Tucson Cooling Centers: The City of Tucson’s website lists various cooling centers, some of which are pet-friendly, such as the Primavera Foundation Resource Center. They provide water, and some even have pet-friendly courtyards. Call 2-1-1 or check their official website for a list of current locations and hours.
• Pima Animal Care Center (PACC): PACC has a Pet Support Center that offers a “Safety Net” program, which may be able to provide temporary placement for pets of families in crisis. They also offer food and basic pet supplies.
• The Street Dog Coalition: This organization provides free veterinary care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness. They hold clinics on a regular basis, offering a crucial lifeline for the health and well-being of these animal companions. https://www.thestreetdogcoalition.org/phoenix-southeast-metro-area-az
• No Kill Pima County: This organization’s website has a resource directory that includes information on pet-friendly apartments, temporary pet housing, and other support services to help families keep their pets.