The City of Chandler opened its day respite center and eight cooling locations on May 1, offering any resident a safe place to recover and cool down as the temperatures continue to rise.
Initially, the city planned to provide overnight respite services only during excessive heat warnings advised by the National Weather Service. Now it will offer this service every night starting Friday, June 13, through Sept. 12.
Those in need of the overnight service must check in at the city’s day respite center located at AZCEND, 345 S. California St., in downtown Chandler. The intake process will begin at 6 p.m. every evening. Those utilizing the service may store their belongings before being transported to the Chandler Senior Center, 202 E. Boston St., for a meal and the opportunity to sleep comfortably on cots in a climate-controlled, safe environment.
“During the summer months, you can’t tell the difference between excessive and extreme temperatures — it’s just dangerously hot,” said Riann Balch, Chandler’s community development and resources senior manager. “We want to ensure those in need can sleep safely in a comfortable place for the night.”…