Local Organizations Are Feeling the Heat From Folks In Need
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
The heat is on for local social service agencies trying to help people in need beat the heat. But there`s two local agencies that have the similar programs and are seeing different results.
54-year old Lois Tyler knows what it`s like to be a victim of the heat...
"Sometimes I had to stick my head in the freezer to get a little bit of colder air. I couldn`t sleep and I was sick constantly," says Tyler.
Which is why she turned to St.Joe`s Community Action Partnership or "CAP" for help.
"I would have probably ended up in the hospital like a year ago when I was in the hospital with out and air conditoner," adds Tyler.
And she`s not the only one taking advantage of CAP`s the Cooling Assitance Program.....the organization is hustling to keep up with people trying to beat the heat.
"It`s been really busy. People just found out about the air conditioner program because of the heat...and
they call and I don`t know who`s telling them about it. But I think with the heat they`re just calling around saying hey I need an air conditioner where can I go...and other agencies are directing them to us," adds Jenny Oborn with CAP St. Joseph.
While "CAP" Cooling Assistance is bogged down....Catholic Charities` "Elder Cool" program...isn`t. The organization still has 90 air conditioners to give away.
"The calls are coming in today...after some PR last night. Right now we`ve only installed probably about 10 of them," says Mark Goedken with Catholic Charities.
Recipients must meet age and poverty requirements for both programs...or have a medical need for an air conditioner. Still...some people will be left out.
"I know we`ve had to turn down some but not a whole bunch of them," says Goedken.
Program organizers say...even though they want to help everyone in need...they must follow state guidelines...but unfortunately not everyone can be helped.
CAP St. Joe offers other option for those who do not qualify for free air conditioners. To find out if you qualify or to donate either program, call CAP at 233-8281 or Catholic Charities at 232-2885.
