“It’s been very hot, and many of our neighbors are struggling,” said Caitlind Lainhart, vice president of external affairs. “Many of them do not have air conditioning. So St. Vincent de Paul is actually providing air conditioning to our neighbors in need.”
Last summer, St. Vincent de Paul gave away 733 air conditioners thanks to more than $83,000 in donations. This year the organization hopes to exceed that goal at the annual event.
“This year we’ve seen thousands of people say they need them,” Reinhardt said. “So we need to really step up our efforts and meet that demand. It’s already hotter than usual.”
“One neighbor came to us and she had to stay in a shelter because her house was too hot and she had asthma and health complications,” Reinhardt said.
In previous years, the organization has donated fans. But this year they are asking for monetary donations to purchase air conditioning equipment.
To join the waitlist, you must live in Hamilton County, be over 65 years of age, and have a medical need for air conditioning. Its criteria are to ensure that the most vulnerable members of society have the help they need to stay safe during the hot summer months.
“A lot of our neighbors come to us and don’t want to ask for help, but they really need help,” Reinhardt said. “Our neighbors are doing their part to help make this happen. We are neighbors helping each other. Sometimes we all need that.”
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Post time: Sep-11-2024