Each summer, St. Vincent de Paul partners with ABC15, Bashas', and Food City to ensure that Arizona’s most vulnerable individuals have access to life-saving hydration through the ABC15 Water Drive. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we have distributed millions of bottles of water to people experiencing homelessness and struggling families during the scorching summer months.
During the summer months, St. Vincent de Paul distributes approximately 3,000 bottles of water each day through its dining rooms and heat relief locations across the Valley, totaling about 23,000 bottles each week. This significant effort highlights the urgent demand for community support to ensure that everyone has access to this essential resource.
Help us provide life saving water to our neighbors in need!
Water Truck Program:
One team at St. Vincent de Paul is hitting the streets daily with compassion, cold water, and critical support. SVdP’s Water Truck program is more than just mobile heat relief, it’s a lifeline.
Led by Robert Leon, Kristle Nay, Joseph Yanez, and Samuel Markle—all of whom bring lived experience of homelessness—the Water Truck team delivers about 400 bottles of water and 75 pounds of ice a day during the hottest months. But their impact goes far beyond hydration. They also distribute snacks, hats, cooling towels, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Respite Centers:
At both the Phoenix and Mesa Dining Rooms, extended summer hours offer safe, cool, and welcoming spaces for about 250 individuals every afternoon. Guests can access air conditioning, cold water, snacks, hygiene kits, and basic supplies.
But relief goes beyond physical needs. Guests can relax with movies, music, and snacks, and even take time to rest or sleep on yoga mats—a rare and deeply needed comfort. Each site also connects guests with hot meals, workforce development support, and immediate access to shelter programs, creating a powerful bridge out of homelessness.
Overnight Heat Relief Shelter:
St. Vincent de Paul partners with the City of Phoenix to operate an overnight heat relief shelter at the Phoenix Dining Room. The shelter serves 170 men and women, offering safe sleep, connection to services, and relief from the deadly overnight heat.
2025 Exceptional Community Partners
Special thanks to a group of exceptional community partners and organizations who gave generously to the drive and challenged others to give as well. Their support was invaluable this summer!
Thank you to our 2025 donors!
Scroll below to watch the inspiring moments of their check presentations and water donations shared on ABC15 and with the community.
