HAMILTON, Ohio — An area church mission that feeds the homeless is staying open as a cooling center, despite losing cool air. 

What You Need To Know

  • New Life Mission cooks food for the homeless and serves as a cooling center 

  • The church group recently lost their central air conditioning and food from a broken deep freezer 

  • Pastor Felix Russo said they’re now trying to raise $60,000 to get everything back up and running
  • in the meantime, they’re running on fans, and window units to keep cool

Annie Neal is nearly in tears.

“Because I’ve been sick, and this is what has driven me,” said Neal. 

She’s a volunteer at New Life Mission in Hamilton. 

“I come here to help those that are in need and to show them that they have every right to be served the best,” said Neal.  

She’s serving her homemade pies to the homeless on a 90-degree day with no air conditioning in the building. 

“I don’t care what it takes, I’ll do it,” said Neal. 

Pastor Felix Russo said they are losing food to feed because the deep freezer is also broken. 

He said they’re not shutting their doors, though. Instead, he said they’re using a small fridge. 

“We put it in here or give it away through the pantry as quick as we can,” said Russo.

They’re also trying to create their own cool air. There are fans and window units set up inside and outside. Russo tried a temporary fix for the central air conditioner. 

“We’re just running water on it to try and keep it from freezing up so it will continue to blow cold air,” said Russo.  

That’s why the church is trying to raise money. Their goal is $60,000 for a new central air conditioner and freezer. Until then volunteers said they will make it work for people in need.

“Because it’s about giving back and being a blessing in somebody else’s life,” said Neal. 

For more information about New Life Mission and its fundraising effort, click here.