When summer temperatures exceed 100 degrees, just 15 minutes of exposure can cause permanent damage. Each year, hundreds of people die from the heat. And no one is more at risk than our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
None of us can stop the heat, but together we can help save lives.
What is CodeRED?
CodeRed is a new initiative to partner with our community to help bring relief to our homeless neighbors this summer. From May through August, businesses, churches, and individuals can host water drives, fundraisers, or both to support Visalia Rescue Mission in helping our homeless community out of the heat.
Learn more or host a drive below!
Why CodeRED matters
Every year, we all anticipate the intense wall of heat that comes with a Central Valley summer. And for many, finding relief from the heat is extremely difficult, especially for those in our community experiencing homelessness.
The California Department of Public Health states that heat kills more people directly than any other weather-related hazard and identifies unhoused people among the groups at highest risk.
Heat-related illnesses can range from heat cramps and heat exhaustion to medical emergencies like heat strokes. These illnesses happen when the body’s temperature controls become overloaded and are unable to regulate without intervention. During California’s record-breaking September 2022 ten-day heat wave, CDPH estimated a 5% increase in heat-related deaths.
These illnesses and deaths are preventable, and that’s why we hope to bring more heat relief to those who need it most in our community.
Give relief from deadly summer heat
HOST A WATER DRIVE
VOLUNTEER
DONATE
Water and relief is just the start.
Every dollar you give will help provide life-saving water, hygiene kits, critical care, and hope for someone experiencing homelessness in the Central Valley.
Your gift today will not only help save lives by helping people escape the dangerous summer heat. It will also help them get connected to the Mission, where hope and healing are found.
It may sound simple, but a bottle of water or a hygiene kit really can lead to a whole new life!