PHOENIX -- Beating the heat can be especially difficult on the elderly, and others who are on a fixed income.

Angel Santacruz delivers meals from The Salvation Army to some of the valley's most vulnerable neighbors. While he's out, he also checks to make sure they stay cool.

"I bring water," said Santacruz. "Almost everyday I put water in my van."

Andrea Vaquera, who received a meal delivery from Santacruz today, said she's been trying to save money where she can by cutting back on the use of her air conditioner.

"In the morning I will turn the AC off and then turn it back on in maybe an hour or so," said Vaquera.

Another senior, Jenni Burk said Wednesday, it's been a rough year and that it's been difficult to keep cool because of the economy.

"The economy's bad so therefore I don't buy water like I normally buy water," said Burk.

Burk said for the elderly, the rising heat puts additional pressure on already stretched budgets.

"I don't know if people realize how hard it is on seniors or not, but we're suffering, we're really suffering badly," said Burk.

In the past couple of days, Phoenix Fire Capt. Dorian Jackson said the department has experienced an increase in heat-related medical calls.

Jackson said fire fighters anticipate even more calls as the valley continues to heat up.

"We are concerned about the elderly population, they're not drinking enough water, they don't deal with the heat like a younger person," said Jackson.