Cooling centers are open throughout Yuma County
Eduardo Morales
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – With the Extreme Heat Warning in place, locals are heading to cooling centers to beat the heat.
There are 18 cooling centers and three water sites for people to receive water throughout Yuma County. There are 12 total locations within Yuma, and nine within Somerton and San Luis.
These locations include the Yuma Community Food Bank, Yuma County Libraries, and the Crossroads Mission.
Harry M. Wilson, a local cooling down at the Crossroads center, says these places are important for the community.
“Most people aren’t used to this heat, and it’s a dry heat so it’s hot. I’ve lived here before many years ago, but still I’ve come back and not I’m not used to the heat again, so I got to get used to it,” Wilson says.
At the crossroads there is a shaded area where they supply them water, snacks, and whatever else they may have.
Myra Garlit, the CEO of Crossroads, shares why they help, especially on hot days.
“We know that it’s important to stay hydrated, stay in the shade, and take care of yourself. That’s why we want to do it, we want to help,” Garlit says.
The Crossroads shares how helping others during hot days could lead helping them even more in the future as well.
“I think that if you can feed, give them food and water at some point, they may want to change their life, I tell the staff look for that window of opportunity when they’re ready to change,” Garlit said.
For a full list of the cooling centers and there hours click on the link HERE.