According to Maricopa County, 323 people died of a heat-related illness last year. More than half of them were homeless. As Valley temperatures continue to soar, Shea Homes hosted their largest monetary water drive to-date, benefiting St. Vincent de Paul. Together, the team far exceeded their goal, collecting over $8,300 which filled nearly three semi-trucks with 58 pallets of water. The donation goes directly to St. Vincent de Paul, who provide essential hydration to those experiencing homelessness and are especially affected by the heat.

Shea Homes gifted the water to St. Vincent de Paul on June 9, 2021, at their headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona. As the Valley’s unhoused are particularly vulnerable during heat waves, the primary mission of the water drive is to help men and women in the Phoenix community struggling with homelessness. Phoenix had at least 7,419 people experiencing homelessness as of January 2020.

“Access to clean, cold water can truly be the difference between life and death among many Valley residents,” says Mary Schmiester, Shea Homes Administrator. “We are grateful that we are able to support St. Vincent de Paul on this important water drive to help keep our community cool and well-hydrated during these hot summer months. If we pay attention, we can save lives.”

June 1 marked the start of St. Vincent de Paul’s 100 days of summer, a heat relief operation offering outdoor cooling stations, ice water and overnight shelter. The team at St. Vincent de Paul makes their water routes seven days a week, visiting different parts of the Valley, providing relief to as many people as possible.

Those wishing to get involved with the heat relief campaigns at St. Vincent de Paul, can visit https://100days.stvincentdepaul.net/.

About Shea Homes
Shea Homes is one of the largest private homebuilders in the nation. Since its founding in 1968, Shea Homes has built more than 100,000 homes. Over the past several years, Shea Homes has been recognized as a leader in customer satisfaction with a reputation for design, quality and customer service. Shea Homes builds new homes in California, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Washington, North Carolina, Florida, Virginia, Texas, and Idaho. For more information about Shea Homes and its communities, please visit the company’s website at http://www.SheaHomes.com. Sales by Shea Homes Marketing Company (AZ DRE #CO550381000), Construction by Shea Homes Limited Partnership (ROC #195895)/SHAZ GC, Inc. (ROC #327019).

About The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Phoenix
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international nonprofit organization that feeds, clothes, houses and heals. It is dedicated to serving people in need and providing the community with the opportunity to serve. SVdP has been assisting central and northern Arizona families since 1946. It operates a network of more than 80 neighborhood food pantries, five charity dining rooms, a transitional shelter, a resource center for the homeless, bill assistance and homelessness prevention programming, as well as a charity clinic with medical, dental and wellness care for the uninsured.