New York – Governor David A. Paterson today announced New York State residents who are susceptible to heat-related illnesses can apply for home air conditioners. Some of the state’s most vulnerable low-income residents, whose health problems can be exacerbated by heat emergencies, may be eligible for assistance this summer through a multi-agency cooling initiative that will make the air conditioners available.
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The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), together with the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) and the State Office for the Aging (SOFA) are sponsoring the program, which will allocate $2.4 million in federal Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) funds for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient air conditioners to eligible individuals.
“In a typical year, about 400 Americans die from heat-related illness, and by simply providing an air conditioner, we can protect some of our most vulnerable residents,” said Governor Paterson. “Typically, it is the elderly who are disproportionately affected by heat-waves, and New York needs to do what it can to protect them. The last HEAP cooling initiative in New York that was targeted to medically-needy households occurred nine years ago, so there is a real need for this program.”
To be eligible for the program, clients must meet existing HEAP income guidelines and have at least one member of the household that suffers from an acute medical condition that is exacerbated by extreme heat. Written documentation from a physician clearly indicating the need for an air conditioner is required and must be dated within the previous six months.
OTDA Commissioner David Hansell said: “Exposure to extreme heat can be deadly for those who suffer from certain medical conditions. This program is designed specifically as a health intervention, targeted for those who are at high risk in heat emergencies, but do not have an air conditioner or the resources to purchase one.”
ouseholds will not be eligible if they currently have a working air conditioner, or received one through a DHCR or New York State Energy Research and Development Authority funded initiative in the last 10 years.
Only one air conditioner will be provided per household or dwelling unit. Installation, labor and other measures designed to conserve energy, such as insulating the hot water heater and cleaning the refrigerator coil, will also be provided. Grants do not include an additional HEAP cash benefit to fund operation of the air conditioner.
For more information about the HEAP program, please visit http://www.otda.state.ny.us/main
i smell a couple of “greedy fingers”
what about people who live in section 8 apartment
and do not get heap.
why should they be counted out?
VERY FUNNY… A/C UNIT COST $100 … AND WHO WILL PAY THE UTILITY BILL?
Poor section 8 recepient!!! Because they live rent free they don’t get a free A/C. Excuse me while I get a tissue to wipe my eyes.
An oversized (FREE)air conditioner turns on and off more often than it should, even during the hottest weather. You pay more for it, and it uses more energy, raising your utility bills. It won’t dehumidify the air as well as a smaller system would. It’s noisy, especially if the grilles in your house were designed for a smaller unit, as most are. An oversized air conditioner doesn’t mean cool comfort for you. It means higher first costs, higher electricity bills, and a home that’s uncomfortable to be in.
SO GO PICK UP A FREE AIR COND.
Do we get FREE vaccum cleaners too?
When will we get the FREE living room and dining room experience?
Oh, I also heard the city will offer FREE 500.00 gift certificates for food shopping. Does anyone know the dates for all this FREE stuff to be going out in the mail?
I have a severe medical condition called heat intolerance, i get all kinds of symptoms like for example, sweating, perspiring etc. etc. am i eligible?
shatzmatz
who says section 8 recepients live free?
nothing is free in this world
everybody pays rent someplace
don’t be so hard on section 8 people
grow up
Understand a lot of what everyone here is saying I don’t think that’s it. Fair for someone to be able to pick who can and can have a free air con. There older people. As well as younger children whom can bother suffer problems due to heat. But even those whom are fairly young as well as healthy can still die of heat stroke medical issues. Are not the only problems that can cause problems from heat.anyone and everyone should have a fair chance of receiving a free air con.. we work six days a week and have 3 children. We bust our bums. Just to make ends meet with our home and property bills. We don’t receive any state aid such as food stamps. Cash ass or medicad due we make to much ( like five dollars over state income quide lines) so we are unable. With gas prices going up we are working to pay for next weeks gas back and forth. And don’t think its fair for us to suffer. And not many doctors will even write a statement for patients to a free air conditoners unless. Ur already. Days from death. Sarcasium:::: I have a special needs son whoms 15 month old. He does not gain wieght and what wieght he he has gained he looses very fast such as being 17 lbs at 15 mo olds and I heart issue