Research Staff in the Arizona State Senate and House of Representatives held a friendly competition in August, with the end result potentially saving the lives of those who live on the streets. The Legislature hosted the Senate vs. House Research Water Wars. Staff donated water bottles to provide relief to the homeless of Phoenix. All the bottles went to the Phoenix Rescue Mission and its Code Red program. This program runs during the summer months, when the weather is most dangerous for those without a home. On average, 118 people die in Arizona from the excessive heat. The Phoenix Rescue Mission provides a Hope Coach van to bring water to those in need.
When August ended and the donated bottles were counted, the Senate 'defeated' the House, collecting 13,960 bottles to the House's 12,394. That totals 26,354 bottles going to those in need from the two Chambers.