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How The Salvation Army Provides Heat Relief Nationwide 

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As summer temperatures climb across the United States, The Salvation Army is on the front lines of heat relief—offering hydration, shelter, and compassion to those most vulnerable. From bustling cities to rural communities, their network of 3,000 officers, 64,000 employees, and 1.5 million volunteers mobilize from The Salvation Army’s nearly 7,400 service centers each year to combat the dangers of extreme heat.   

Cooling Centers: Safe Havens in the Heat  

When heat advisories are issued, The Salvation Army activates cooling centers in community centers, shelters, and corps locations nationwide. These centers provide:  

  • Air-conditioned spaces for rest and recovery  

  • Cold water and snacks to prevent dehydration  

  • Overnight shelter in select locations  

  • Access to hygiene supplies and case management  

Whether in New York City, Phoenix, Dallas, or Omaha, these centers offer a lifeline to seniors, families, and individuals experiencing homelessness.  

  

Mobile Outreach & Emergency Services  

In areas where access is limited, mobile units deliver:  

  • Bottled water and electrolyte drinks  

  • Sunscreen, hats, and hygiene kits  

  • Referrals to shelter and medical care  

Street teams also check on older adults and those with chronic health conditions who may be at higher risk of heat-related illness.  

  

Fan & A/C Distribution  

To help people stay cool at home, The Salvation Army partners with local businesses and donors to distribute:  

  • Box fans and portable A/C units  

  • Energy-efficient cooling systems for seniors and low-income households  

These efforts are especially critical in regions like the South and Southwest, where temperatures regularly exceed 100°F.  

  

Community Partnerships That Power Relief  

The Salvation Army’s heat relief programs are strengthened by collaborations with:  

  • Local governments and emergency services  

Together, they ensure that relief reaches those who need it most—especially during prolonged heat waves.  

  

Why It Matters  

According to the CDC, extreme heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard in the U.S., claiming more lives annually than hurricanes or floods. Vulnerable populations—including the unhoused, elderly, and low-income families—face the greatest risk.  

Each bottle of water, cooling station, and shelter bed is a life-saving intervention.  

  

Find Help or Get Involved  

To locate a cooling center or support The Salvation Army’s heat relief efforts:  

  • Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY to donate or volunteer  

This summer, be someone’s shade. Help The Salvation Army keep America cool, safe, and cared for.  

About The Salvation Army  

The Salvation Army annually helps more than 27 million people in America overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and meeting human needs in His name without discrimination in nearly every ZIP code. By providing food, shelter, eviction prevention assistance, emergency disaster relief, rehabilitation, after-school and summer youth programs, spiritual enrichment, and more, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 6,400 centers of operation around the country. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org.  

  

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