Tempe Community Rallies to Donate Over 10,000 Water Bottles for Homeless

The water drive will support the city's HOPE outreach team during extreme summer heat.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 10:35pm

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Community members in Tempe, Arizona, came together to donate over 10,000 water bottles to support the city's HOPE outreach team in providing hydration and other services to people experiencing homelessness. The drive was organized by Tempe City Councilmember Berdetta Hodge and will help the outreach team distribute around 1,000 bottles of water each week during the region's extreme summer heat season.

Why it matters

Providing water is often the first step in building trust between outreach workers and unsheltered residents, which can then lead to connecting people with more stable housing, healthcare, and employment assistance. This community-driven initiative aims to ensure those experiencing homelessness have access to this basic necessity during the dangerously hot summer months.

The details

The water bottle drive was organized by Tempe City Councilmember Berdetta Hodge to support the city's HOPE outreach team. The team distributes around 1,000 bottles of water each week while also connecting unsheltered residents with services such as shelter, healthcare, and employment assistance. At last count, the community had donated more than 10,000 water bottles to the effort.

  • The Tempe heat season runs from May 1 through September 30, when temperatures in the Phoenix area routinely climb into triple digits.
  • The water bottle drive took place on Saturday, April 4, 2026.

The players

Berdetta Hodge

A Tempe City Councilmember who organized the community water bottle drive.

HOPE Outreach Team

A team of outreach workers in Tempe who distribute water and connect unsheltered residents with services.

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What’s next

Community members and businesses interested in donating water can contact the HOPE team at HOPE@tempe.gov.

The takeaway

This community-driven water drive demonstrates the power of local initiatives to support vulnerable populations and ensure access to basic necessities, especially during extreme weather conditions. By working together, Tempe residents are making a tangible difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness.