Press Release Details

A Cooling Program To Help Those In Need This Summer

6/12/2009

NBC 15 Online

You may be eligible to get help paying your utility bills this summer. Monday, MobileCommunity Action kicks off a program for folks who can't afford the high cost of air conditioning.

It's that time of year again. With 90 degrees temperatures and the sun blazing, it's time to stay inside. "It's very hotout there today." Causing people like Betty Strickland to take on more indoor activities. She lives at a west Mobileretirement home and is used to walking around her neighborhood every day, but not anymore. Strickland says, "I'llwait until the weather cools down to go outside again."

Another lady says, "I don't let the heat bother me because I stay where it's cool." Jimmy Knight also worries aboutthese warm temperatures. He's the director of Mobile Community Action and during the summer, has a veryimportant job. Knight says, "To assist those citizens that can not, does not have an air conditioner or the necessityto keep them cool during the summer." If you qualify, Knight and his employees will give you a fan, an airconditioner, maybe even pay your energy bill. "And if you have an 85 or 90 year old person, maybe even with adisability, that person could very well have a heat stroke without proper air."

The Manager at Somerby of Mobile Retirement Community says, "We encourage them to drink lots of water to stay hydrated and we are watching forthem, looking for signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion." Knight says with the bad economy and high temperatures, he has more people asking forhelp this summer than in years past.

The cooling program runs through October. If you want more information and to find out if you qualify, call (251) 457-5700.