Cool for Wake Offers a Breeze of Relief as Hot Weather Arrives

With temperatures expected in the 90s today, many of us will turn the thermostat down to stay cool. But for some Wake County residents who don’t have air conditioning, it’s simply not that easy to beat the heat.

From mid-May through mid-September, residents can help their neighbors stay comfortable during the summer heat by donating to our Cool for Wake program. Through a partnership with the REALTOR® Foundation of Wake County, the program provides fans and air conditioners to qualifying households, making the summer season a little easier to bear.

“Summers in North Carolina are hot and humid, and many in our county – still impacted by COVID-19 – may not be able to afford rising energy bills,” said Wake County Commissioner Dr. James West. “These fans or AC window units can make a world of difference by providing relief from scorching temperatures to our most vulnerable residents, but we can’t do it without generous donations from the community.”

Donating to Cool for Wake
The easiest way to donate to Cool for Wake is to make a financial donation online. All funds received go directly to families in need, as program administrative costs are funded through the Wake County budget.

Qualifying for Assistance
To qualify for the program applicants must:

  • Meet income requirements;
  • Have at least one person over age 60 or 12 and under within the household; and
  • Not have another source of cooling for the home.
     

Additionally, households that meet the criteria and have at least one person with a documented history of a chronic respiratory illness may qualify for a window air conditioning unit.

Qualifying applicants will receive one fan or air conditioner per household.

Air conditioners are purchased and delivered through the REALTOR® Foundation of Wake County. On average, the program gives out more than 25 AC units and 100 fans per season.

Applying for Cool for Wake
Households eligible for Cool for Wake can request a fan or AC unit through their social worker or reach out to Denise Kissel at 919-212-7083 or denise.kissel@wake.gov.

Learn more about Cool for Wake.

Category
Press Release