In Arizona, summer heat is a community issue that can have life-threatening consequences. That’s why community advocacy is so critical, especially for those most vulnerable to extreme temperatures, including older adults and people experiencing homelessness.
Through United We Prepare, powered by Verizon, Valley of the Sun United Way is bringing community members, corporate partners and volunteers together to prepare for and respond to extreme heat. This summer, members of Women United stepped up as Heat Relief Ambassadors, helping raise awareness and champion the importance of keeping our community safe.
Among those advocates are longtime Women United members Nina Mullins and Carla Snyder, who have gone above and beyond to use their voices and leadership to support heat relief efforts across the Valley.
“I am a Women United member as well as a heat relief ambassador,” said Mullins, a longtime member from partner organization Salt River Project (SRP). “We live in one of the hottest climates, so it’s really important we assist with the unhoused population and senior population to make sure they have the means to stay cool.”
Snyder, another longtime Women United member, knows just how urgent this message is.
“In the Southwest, the heat can literally be a killer, and I am applauding Valley of the Sun United Way for leading the efforts to build awareness and save lives,” Snyder said. “Truly an imperative as we face these incredible heat events for us to come together as a community to make a positive impact.”
Their leadership reflects what community advocacy can accomplish: turning awareness into action. And they’re not doing it alone.
Through United We Prepare and the support of Verizon, Valley community members have opportunities to take meaningful action – from volunteering to build heat relief and disaster preparedness kits, to sharing information that can help neighbors prepare for extreme temperatures.
To find and share resources, and get involved yourself today, visit vsuw.org/heatrelief.
