Does anyone provide aid/assistance for people who don't have air conditioning?

brenda: You're very welcome.

Hey people,
She is asking for "aid and assistance" providers....not DIY suggestions.

I'm sure there are some providers out there. I personally don't know of any, but someone must. Or perhaps someone in her area could donate a window air conditioner or two.

Call up your nearest senior center because they may have a handi-worker's program.
When they come out to assess the current a/c not being able to work if other electrical is in use, they might upgrade the electrical outlet, and even provide a
different a/c.

Their guidelines for what they can repair or replace are tricky.

Just wondering if you got this all straightened out?

Oh, yikes, this is scary stuff. Try to get that portable AC so that it is in only one enclosed room so it can really work for them. We just had to get one this year in San Francisco, as the temps some days can now be too much for us. If your electric stays on and you can make ice, a pan with water for feet that has cool water will help keep a senior out of the danger zone. Someone below mentioned senior centers and they are more and more coming into play, but with your family would be at the least hard to move them. I am fearful that this will be more and more a problem in future. In some countries people regularly die in large numbers, esp seniors; in a recent heat wave in India many were lost. Good luck.

Grew up in a weatherboard house. Basically nearly the same temp inside as out. Summers had heatwaves of several days at 40 c (100 f) before a cool change blew in, then heated up again. Cars had wind-down windows & vinyl seats. Car rides were h377.

Ways we coped;
1. Wet face clothes. Wear on top of head in house - under hat outside. Rub down neck arms, legs regularly.
2. Box or pedestal fans.
3. Sleep under a wet towel.
4. Sit on damp towel in car.

These days I live in a brick house but still no AC. Have 4 x pedestal fans (Costco) that direct the air side to side. Works very well. Big one in lounge & kitchen + small bedside table ones.

My family are worried about a relative with poor health as her apartment gets VERY hot but so far a small evaporative cooler (box fan you add water in back) is working well for her. She has ceiling fans & uses the wet towels too.

62% increase in mortality through a heatwave here in 2009. City mortuaries full before the bushfire victims even started arriving.

Heat is a serious concern for elderly & anyone with poor health, or anyone rushing around. They often forget to drink enough water too. You are right to try to help.

This may not be too helpful if you have a parent with ambulatory issues, but there are “cooling centers “ that many towns and cities set up during those days when the heat is extremely oppressive. They’re usually located in libraries, senior centers, high schools ( if it’s not a school day). The nationwide “211” can provide some really helpful information on senior resources in your state. It’s an informational and referral system, and many of them operate crisis lines as well. I worked for the 211/United Way in CT for about 20 years, and they really do provide a wealth of information. Perhaps this might help. It’s all done over the phone, and many are open 24/7.

I think now you should start looking towards next year. There maybe grants available but you have to apply early.

Call your local Office of Aging. See if there are such grants. Check with your Electric Company. See if there is help there, even if it helping with the electric bill.

Ceiling fans will help circulate the cool air. If u can afford it, have them installed. This way you can keep the a/c at 77/78 and save on the cost of electric.