The thermometer is inching its way upward to a North Texas heat wave. Experts are literally sweating it out that this year’s summer could be a record-breaking scorcher.
While some will while away the problem by getting out of town to cooler place, and others will just chill at home with their AC blasting away, way too many seniors will suffer in their homes that can be tinder boxes.
Some are living on fixed incomes in which ramped-up air conditioning is a luxury compared to food and medications. Others, quite frankly, just plain don’t have a fan, let alone an AC system.
To prevent a tragic outcome, The Senior Source is kicking off its “Beat the Heat” program this week with TXU Energy serving as corporate sponsor and Community Mission Baptist Church as distribution event host.
According to The Senior Source President/CEO Stacey Malcolmson, “Our annual air conditioner give away for 2023 will be new and improved. Not only will seniors without a source of cool air get a free air conditioner, but the event will also offer connections with other community resources. We will have 12 vendors with giveaways, including TXU, Any Step Community Services and The Senior Source’s Utility Assistance Service.”
That latter one is held the second Wednesday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Dallas and Collin County residents, 60 years and older, who need assistance with their TXU, Ambit and/or Atmos Energy bill. In addition to your utility bill, you’ll need to bring your driver’s license and proof of income (aka Social Security letter, pension statement, employment income, etc.).
This year’s “Beat The Heat” goal is $80,000, which translates into providing more than 300 air-conditioning units at $250 a pop.
On the other hand, if you know of a person lacking a source of cool air or resources to handle the summer, have them register here.
* Graphic/photo courtesy of The Senior Source