Summer heat can make breathing difficult for people struggling with certain medical conditions, making air conditioners and fans a necessity.
But not everyone can afford cooling equipment. The Salvation Army is asking for new fans and air conditioners in its campaign “Operation Cool Breeze.”
The Salvation Army program begins as other northeast Indiana agencies, including Community Action of Northeast Indiana, have launched summer cooling-assistance programs.
Requests have already begun to come in for fans and air conditioners, said Timothy Smith, social-service director for The Salvation Army.
Those requests are expected to increase as temperatures continue to climb toward the 90s, Smith said.
People afflicted with conditions that affect breathing range from young children with asthma to older people with emphysema, heart problems or other severe illnesses, Smith said.
In order to receive an air conditioner, people are required to show written proof of need from a physician, Smith said.
Smith said he thinks The Salvation Army will not have enough air conditioners to meet needs, particularly since two donated air conditioners received this week were given away the same day they arrived.
“We may have enough fans,” Smith said.
Community Action of Northeast Indiana, or CANI, which serves Allen, DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben and Whitley counties, offers a $50 summer-cooling electric credit to those who meet income requirements and can provide a current electric bill.
Clients who were approved for heating assistance in the winter may only need to call in order to qualify for summer assistance if they haven’t moved. Those seeking first-time assistance must schedule an Energy Assistance Program appointment.
CANI, as well as other agencies that serve northeast Indiana, will either provide credit toward the purchase of air conditioners or buy air conditioners for people who meet income requirements and who meet other requirements, such as having certain health conditions.
