The Hydro-Drive Project: An Incentivized, Donation-Based Charity Project

Summer temperatures in Arizona are some of the highest in the nation. Arizona also ranks within the top ten states for percentage of homelessness per capita (Wisevoter, 2023). Extreme heat poses a threat to the rising homeless population in Phoenix, Arizona, as it causes severe dehydration, which can lead to potentially fatal heat-related illnesses like heat stroke. Sufficient hydration and lowering body temperature are the first paths of treatment for such illnesses. Thus, there is a critical need for water and heat-relief for homeless individuals in the Phoenix community. This paper responds to this crisis by proposing The Hydro-Drive Project, an incentivized, donation-based charity that provides cold water storage solutions to the homeless community in Phoenix. Using a three-pronged approach, The Hydro-Drive Project will collect, sanitize, and distribute insulated water bottles to homeless individuals in Phoenix. Providing insulated water bottles to persons experiencing homelessness can provide both hydration and coolness, which in turn, can help prevent heat-related illnesses. This paper also outlines a comprehensive plan for securing grant funding and establishing partnerships with like-minded organizations, as well as other elements necessary to ensure the success and sustainability of the program such as participant recruitment strategies, success and impact measures, project limitations, budget, and sustainability. Overall, The Hydro-Drive Project is an innovative response to a critical issue in the Phoenix community that requires grant funding and input from partnerships.