Last month, Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona received a $250,000 disaster resilience grant through Verizon’s Community Disaster Resilience initiative.
Extreme temperatures, extended drought, and severe heat waves are some of the most pressing climate-related challenges affecting Central Arizona. Last summer, Phoenix experienced a record-breaking 31 consecutive days of temperatures at or above 110°F, putting families — especially seniors, children, and those living on fixed incomes — at serious risk. Rising utility costs and aging housing infrastructure only intensify the urgency for climate resilience in our neighborhoods.
With the support of the Verizon grant, Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona has provided vital repairs to 29 local families in need, including installing and upgrading climate-resilient HVAC systems, repairing roofs, increasing insulation, and converting water-intensive landscaping to drought-tolerant alternatives. These improvements help ensure families can stay safe, cool, and healthy during Arizona’s hottest months — while also reducing water and energy consumption.
“Our region already faces some of the harshest climate conditions in the nation, and each year the risk grows,” said Todd Rogers, president & CEO of Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona. “Thanks to Verizon’s partnership, we’ve been able to deliver practical, life-changing repairs and upgrades that make homes safer and communities more resilient for the future.”
Through its Community Disaster Resilience initiative, Verizon is empowering communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters with greater confidence. The program, working with trusted partners, offers practical tools like planning workshops and hands-on resilience training to help communities stay ready and bounce back stronger.
This funding is part of a more than $3 million donation from Verizon to support Habitat for Humanity in delivering local disaster resilience projects. This year, Verizon will support programs rolling out across 15 cities in the United States.
