Brown, so desperate in this unhealthy heat, called NewsChannel 5 for help. Compounding the 69-year-old’s situation, she has Asthma-COPD and her son has mental health issues.

“I’m hot and I’m sick and I’m frustrated, and I’m suffering with anxiety, and it’s just hard, it’s really hard,” Anita said.

Fortunately, there are some programs like Metro Action’s Summer Cooling Program that provide fans and air conditioners for free to at risk people.

The agency’s cooling program prioritizes income eligible residents who are:

• 60 years or older
• Physically disabled or a medical conditions that is worsened by extreme temperatures
• Households with children age 5 or younger

“To be able to provide that level of relief for people is amazing,” said Lisa McCrady Beverly, the director of communications for the Metro Action Commission.
I was so glad that after I spoke to Metro Action about Anita they were able to help her out. By the end of the day, a working air conditioner was hand-delivered to her apartment.

Metro Action is getting 60 more ACs this Thursday to last them the rest of the summer. You can also donate a new unit to Metro Action or donate money to fund one.