Thirst Aid is an annual effort by Keys to Change to invite groups and individuals across Maricopa County to lend a hand with heat relief for the homeless population. The bottled water and heat relief supplies collected through this effort are distributed by street outreach teams on and around Key Campus in downtown Phoenix to people without permanent shelter.
Key Campus is a collaborative homeless services campus with over a dozen nonprofit agencies working together, serving around 1,200 people a day. Thirst Aid donations provide water and heat relief supplies for each collaborative partner to distribute, with some 120,000 bottles consumed each month through the summer.
Thirst Aid events occur the first Saturday of each month May-September. Each event is hosted by Keys to Change and a partner. The May event is hosted in partnership with Circle the City, the organization providing medical care and respite to Key Campus clients year round.
For more information, visit ThirstAidAZ.org. A complete list of items to donate can be found here.
Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Key Campus – Harrison Gate
1300 W. Harrison Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Event Hours 9:00am – 12:00pm
- Interviews available with Keys to Change and Circle the City staff
- Nonprofits working in collaboration rather than competing for resources
- Donations of bottled water and heat relief supplies on pallets
- Donors drive up to drop off donations
- Volunteers assist to unload donations and keep the energy upbeat
Quote from Amy Schwabenlender, CEO, Keys to Change: “The weather has been difficult to predict this season, but one thing we know: it’s going to get very hot and stay hot. For individuals experiencing homelessness, the heat poses a tangible, inescapable threat. We’re calling on the Phoenix community to be a part of the solution. Supporting Thirst Aid saves lives, and is as easy as adding a case of water to your grocery list, or setting out a collection bin in your place of worship.”
Quote from Kim Despres, CEO, Circle the City “In the Arizona heat, water can mean the difference between life and death. For our neighbors facing homelessness, staying hydrated isn’t always easy or accessible. That’s why efforts like the Thirst Aid water drive are so critical. It’s a simple act of care that helps protect lives and reminds people that they are not alone.”
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Media Contacts:
Kim Beaudoin
Marketing and Communications Manager
Keys to Change
602-282-0849
kbeaudoin@keystochangeaz.org
