Free air conditioners are offered to families with low incomes, senior citizens, and disabled individuals. First State Community Action Agency manages the program as part of the LIHEAP service. Applications are being accepted for a free window air conditioner. The units will be distributed to those who need help.
This summer is predicted to be hotter than normal, so the First State Community Action Agency is bringing back its air conditioner and Summer Cooling Program. To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet certain income requirements. The program is designed to help people who are 60 years or older, as well as the disabled or households with children. People who meet the criteria are given priority.
Program terms
Individuals who live in Kent, New Castle or Sussex County and meet the qualifications can receive free window air conditioning units. First State’s Georgetown office at 308 North Railroad Avenue usually accepts applications from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday through Friday. It may be beneficial to look into other energy assistance programs, like LIHEAP, when applying for an AC unit since LIHEAP can provide financial assistance for summer cooling bills. In order to be a part of this program, residents must make a certain amount of money or less.
The following are some of the conditions. Applicants who have received an air conditioner through the Summer Cooling Program within the last three years are not eligible. If you live in Kent or Sussex and are 60 or over, have an underlying health condition or health problem that gets worse in the heat, or have children in your household, you can apply for this. Applications for assistance can be made at any First State Community Action Agency office. They can also provide advice on other types of government assistance. All of the units are in good condition and will therefore last for a few years before they need to be replaced.
The agency wants to help as many lower income and needy households as possible, so it has a rule that people who have received air conditioners within the last three years are not eligible for the program.
A lot of people are struggling to pay their bills and keep cool during summer because the economy is not doing well. First State Community Action is seeing an increasing demand for help with cooling bills and air conditioning units through the Summer Cooling Program. Other benefits may be available from the government or from non-profit agencies. There are many places where working poor households can get air conditioners for free, ranging from thrift stores to regional community action agencies.
The non-profit agency is working hard to prevent senior citizens and others with health conditions from dying of heatstroke in their homes due to a lack of an air conditioning unit. We also need to focus on helping lower income families with children as they can suffer during the summer as well.
If you are interested in receiving a free air conditioner through the Summer Cooling Program, or would like more information about the program, please call First State Community Action at (302) 856-7761.