Vulnerable residents who are unable to cool their homes during extreme heat conditions may qualify for Wake County’s Cool for Wake program. Cool for Wake provides free fans to households where there are seniors or children under 12 living without air conditioning. A limited number of air conditioners are available to seniors and children who have a documented medical history of chronic illness affecting their respiratory system. The program runs through Friday, September 6, 2013.
“We encourage community members to support Cool for Wake by donating new or good-condition fans or making monetary contributions to help Wake County residents in need,” said Denise Kissel, Cool for Wake program coordinator. “A donation to Cool for Wake can have a positive impact for an individual whose health can deteriorate quickly during times of high heat and humidity.”
Cool for Wake also accepts donations of new window unit air conditioners. All donations should be directed to the Community Resources office on the first floor of the Wake County Human Services Swinburne Building, 220 Swinburne St., Raleigh. Monetary donations are tax deductible.
In 2012, Wake County helped more than 200 households who were without air conditioning and raised more than $6,000. Cool for Wake began in 1991 as a complement to Wake County’s Warmth for Wake program, which provides energy assistance to qualified individuals during winter months.
For more information on how to qualify for, or donate to Cool for Wake, call 919-212-7083, or email denise.kissel@wakegov.com. Visit www.youtube.com/wakegov to watch a WakeGOV TV segment on the Cool for Wake program.
