Anticipating high temperatures this summer, TEP made an early commitment to help local residents withstand the sweltering heat.
TEP contributed a total of $195,000 to 13 charities that are focused on heat resiliency, relief and awareness efforts.
Shea-Lynn Hoisington, TEP Outreach Project Coordinator, said our nonprofit partners brought different approaches and definitions to address heat resiliency. Their funding requests and programs reflected the wide array of needs in our community.
“We appreciate the variety of ways that our nonprofit organizations address the serious issues related to heat resiliency. We’re proud to be able to contribute to their creative solutions,”” Hoisington said.
TEP’s donations range from providing heat-relief kits and education and healthcare from heat-related issues to training youth to plant shade trees. Earlier this year, TEP partnered with the American Red Cross and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona to distribute heat safety resources to local residents.
Here are some examples of our contributions:
YWCA – $50,000
The YWCA requested funding for a range of programs that tie to its initiative to address the impact of the heat on vulnerable communities.
“As our region faces increasingly frequent and intense extreme heat, the YWCA will serve as a resiliency hub — a safe, accessible, and welcoming place for our community,” said YWCA CEO Magdalena Verdugo. “This grant from TEP will directly support the programs and infrastructure that strengthen our ability to deliver climate-resilient services, while keeping equity and community care at the center of our work.”
To specifically address heat-related emergencies, YWCA is enhancing its courtyard with shade structures, fan replacements and cooling system repairs to increase shelter capacity when AC systems are down or health issues arise. The commercial kitchen, which can provide meals during heat-related emergencies, will install energy-efficient appliances and expand its capacity.
Tucson Clean and Beautiful (TCB) – $15,000
Middle school and high school students are helping volunteers through weekly tree planting events in neighborhoods most impacted by heat.
The funding is helping to train Youth Tree Leaders, who also receive stipends for leading and teaching neighbors and volunteers about planting trees, including selecting the right species and identifying the correct location.
“The energy, participation, and leadership of youth, from communities most impacted by heat, is essential to building and sustaining Tucson’s urban and community forests,” stated Tucson Clean and Beautiful’s request.
Each year, TCB’s program is able to plant more than 2,000 trees from October through March in 23 neighborhoods because of the youth leaders.
TEP has long supported tree planting: TEP contributed $100,000 to the Tucson Million Trees initiative from the City of Tucson, volunteers have participated in tree-planting activities, and we provide discounted shade trees through our Trees for You program.
Heat Relief Essentials
Our contributions helped local organizations provide heat-relief necessities for the unhoused community through shelters and outreach.
Sister Jose Women’s Shelter received $10,000 to provide essential items for unsheltered women who seek refuge at the center. Hydration and sun protection are particularly critical to their health and safety.
The funding will allow the center to distribute life-saving resources, including reusable water bottles, electrolyte packets, wide-brimmed hats, cooling towels, and hand-held fans.
“These items help protect women from the dangerous effects of Southern Arizona’s extreme heat while offering comfort and dignity during challenging times,” said Sabrina Lobato-Gonzales, the center’s Director of Development.
Another initiative was spearheaded by TC-3, a collaboration between the Tucson Fire Department and Tucson Medical Center, which received $10,000. The partnership addresses the overuse of 911 and emergency services that put a financial strain on healthcare facilities and the Emergency Medical System.
With the goal of providing holistic, proactive care, TC-3 assembled and gave heat-relief bags to unsheltered residents during extreme heat. The distribution includes drop-in centers, street outreach and cooling locations.
