ERLANGER, Ky. — St. Vincent de Paul is bringing relief to the northern Kentucky community, providing free air conditioning units and fans to people with medical conditions.

What You Need To Know

  • The National Weather Service said heat is one of the top weather-related causes of death in the U.S. 

  • This year marks the 26th year of St. Vincent de Paul's Summer Breeze Heat Relief program 

  • Northern Kentucky residents can receive a free air conditioning unit and/or fan with a doctor's note

  • St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky is the region's only heat-relief initiative 

St. Vincent de Paul Store and Distribution stocked its warehouse with hundreds of air conditioner units and fans for the 26th annual Summer Breeze Heat Relief Program, helping northern Kentucky residents with medical conditions stay cool.

“I’m diabetic,” said northern Kentucky native Judy Sanders, who comes to St. Vincent for resources all the time. “I suffer from neuropathy. I have high blood pressure, and with the heat in the house, it’s so beneficial that I get to receive the air conditioner.”

St. Vincent de Paul said the program is the only heat-relief initiative in northern Kentucky. Through the help of St. Elizabeth Healthcare, it could purchase 400 units, spending as little as $150 on the air conditioners and $20 per fan.

According to the National Weather Service, heat is one of the top weather-related causes of death in the U.S. 

Karen Zengel, executive director, works closely with individuals who receive a unit and said it’s important to note residents must fall under a specific criterion to receive their free air conditioner.

“If you’re interested in getting an AC, we would ask that you request from your doctor a note that would explain what the medical condition is that you need this relief for specifically,” Zengel said. 

With a quick walk to the car, a volunteer will place an air conditioning unit in a customer’s vehicle, and they’ll be on their way.

Sanders, filled with joy, said it’s important to be thankful.

“I feel like we take things for granted every day because we don’t realize what we have and what’s going on in the world,” she said. “And it’s a blessing to be able to have a program like this to enable everyone to just be comfortable.”

Thanks to the work of St. Vincent de Paul, hundreds of northern Kentucky families can get through the summer cool and safe. The organization added the air conditioners are first-come, first-serve, and additional information can be found on its website..

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