A community program which buys air conditioners for the needy during the hot summer months may be able to help more people this year after its funding doubled. The South-Central Community Action Program (SCCAP) has given away about 20 air conditioning units this summer in a four county serving area.
Energy Assistance and Family Development Manager, Christine Combs says that’s due in part to the funding allotment for the energy assistance program doubling compared to last year.
“We do offer a summer cool program this year we were able to get enough funding to serve our households with $100 on their electric, last year was just $50,” Combs said.
SCCAP gives a voucher to those residents who meet certain criteria. The vouchers may then be taken to a local Lowe’s hardware store and redeemed for an air conditioner says Lowe’s Assistant Manager Michael Bowling.
“It cools approximately 1,100 square feet without any problem, and it’s 30 percent more energy efficient,” Bowling said.
To be eligible, a household must have a family member who’s disabled, elderly or younger than age six and be able to demonstrate medical need.
