Crossroads Mission helps those in need beat the heat

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect across the region, making it difficult for some to keep cool. However, one local nonprofit in Yuma is helping those in need beat the heat.

Stella Diaz, who is homeless, has been living in her hut for more than a year, and says during the summer, the heat can make her living situation even more brutal.

"It's hard…it really is hard. I mean, I just try to do the best I can," Diaz expressed. "My sister helps me out and stuff, but she's married…she has a family."

The Desert Southwest is under an Extreme Heat Warning, making it difficult for some to find a place to cool off.

However, Crossroads Mission is one of many cooling stations across Yuma County, offering a place to realx and hydrate.

During the summer months, Greg Culver, with Crossroads Mission, says they see an increase of 15 to 20 guests.

"A lot of people don't have a way to get water so they will come here and get water to cool down," Culver shared. "We also let them come inside during the day during operations hours and will have movies playing throughout the day so they can come in, cool off, and get out of the heat."

It's why they open their doors from 6 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day, so at any time during peak heat hours anyone can come down and cool off. If not, things can turn serious really quickly.

"It's absolutely important because we have people dying from heat exhaustion all the time. If they don't have a place to get out of the heat, get water in them, hydrated, then it could be a life and death situation for people," Culver remarked.

To get involved to help fight heat exhaustion, you can donate water, or you can find a list of donations on their website.