When It Was 118 Degrees, Our Doors Were Open

By Pastor Dan Potaznick, Associate Pastor for Outreach

This summer at St. John's, something remarkable happened. When Phoenix hit 118 degrees on July 9th, breaking a record from 1958, we kept our doors open.

For 117 days from May through October, we served 3,568 neighbors seeking relief from deadly heat. We welcomed 598 pets too, because no one should choose between safety and their companion.

But we offered more than air conditioning. Working with Arizona Faith Network and case managers, we connected 533 people to ongoing support, helped 127 access housing assistance, and referred 29 to rehabilitation programs.

Our safety record speaks volumes: zero police calls, zero heat emergencies, just 4 people asked to leave all summer. Out of 3,568 people in extreme stress, that's extraordinary.

This wasn't a fluke. Phoenix's four hottest summers have all occurred since 2020. Heat respite is now life-saving infrastructure our community desperately needs.

While other areas reported heat deaths, every person who came through our doors left safer. That's loving our neighbor. That's the gospel with doors wide open.

Thank you to our staff, volunteers, partners, and congregation who made this possible.