Helping Families Beat the Heat: Free AC Units for Low-Income Households

EDWARDSVILLE — As temperatures begin to rise, Madison County Community Development is aiding vulnerable residents in a way to stay safe and cool.

Through its Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program, the department will provide free window air conditioning units to qualifying low-income households that include elderly residents, individuals with certain medical conditions, or families with young children.

The program is designed to help residents who may be particularly vulnerable to extreme heat.

“High temperatures can be dangerous for seniors, young children and individuals with certain medical conditions,” Madison County Community Development Administrator Stacey Pace said. “This program helps ensure that residents who need relief the most have access to a safe and comfortable home environment.”

Households that have received a window air conditioner from Madison County Community Development within the past three years are not eligible for the program.

To qualify, applicants must meet several requirements:

• Householdmust reside in Madison County
• Household MUST HAVE income
• Householdmust have income and be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
• Applicantsmust complete an intake form
• Avalid photo ID is required
• Social Security cards for every household membermust be provided
• Gross income documentation for the past 30 daysmust be provided for all household members age 18 or older
• Acurrent utility bill must be provided showing the household has active utilities and is not facing disconnection, with a balance less than $600

Households must also meet at least one of the following criteria:

• At leastone household member age 60 or older
• A household member with amedical condition that can be relieved by air conditioning, such as asthma, COPD, emphysema, coronary disease or terminal illness (a physician’s letter is required for applicants under age 60)
• Children age 5 or younger living in the household

Income Guidelines

Eligible households must fall within the following 30-day gross income limits (200% Federal Poverty Guidelines):

For each additional household member, add $946.

Only one window air conditioning unit will be provided per qualifying household.

Residents who receive a unit will be required to sign a release, waiver and indemnifying agreement, and the individual who completed the application must be the one to pick up the unit with a photo ID.

How to Apply

Appointments are required.

Residents can schedule an appointment by calling 618-296-6177 Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Officials encourage residents who believe they may qualify to call early, as supplies are limited.

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