Cool for Wake Program Provides Heat Relief

6/6/2008

Low-income individuals who are unable to cool their homes during extreme heat conditions may qualify for Wake County's Cool for Wake program. Through September 2, 2008, Cool for Wake will provide free fans to qualified individuals.

During the summer, the elderly and small children along with individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses can be negatively impacted by prolonged exposure to extreme heat. Cool for Wake's goal is to reach out to Wake County individuals who are vulnerable to these negative effects. Many low-income households do not have air conditioning or cannot afford the increase in energy costs to cool their homes.

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 the program, call 919-212-7000.

In a typical summer, Wake County will assist approximately 300 to 500 households.

"We encourage community members to support Cool for Wake by donating fans or through monetary contributions to help their Wake County neighbors who are 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."

Members of the community can support Cool for Wake by purchasing a fan at a local retail store and donating it to the program. Most fans cost $10 to $15. Cool for Wake also accepts donations of gently used fans and air conditioners. Both new and used fans and air conditioners can be delivered to the Community Resources office on the first floor of the Wake County Human Services Swinburne Building, 220 Swinburne St., Raleigh.

Tax-deductible monetary donations are also welcome. For more information on how to make a donation to Cool for Wake, call 919-212-7083.

 

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