The oppressive heat on Tuesday June 25, 2024 foreshadowed the importance of air conditioning in the homes of seniors and people with health ailments accelerated by high temperatures.
Ameren Missouri and partner Cooldownstlouis.org and Cooldownmissouri.org loaded and delivered 800 ENERGY STAR certified window air conditioners and 100 smart thermostats to support the most vulnerable customers in St. Louis and eastern Missouri.
“It is critically important for our most vulnerable customers to have access to air conditioners ahead of the dangerous heat,” said Mark Birk, chair and president of Ameren Missouri. “Thanks to this impactful partnership, we can continue to help keep our neighbors cool and safe this summer.”
This is the 24th anniversary of Cooldownstlouis.org’s “Save our Seniors” Cooling Summer Project. Ameren Missouri has participated in the program for 19 years.
Founder and Director of Cool Down St. Louis Gentry Trotter said elderly people are the most at risk. Trotter told ksdk.com since the program began, they’ve given out 25,000 air conditioners, adding the need is greater than ever this year.
As summer now heads to July, Trotter said the organization has received dozens of requests from people who do not have an air conditioner. Cool Down is prioritizing helping people with no air condition who are elderly or people living with disabilities.
Colling centers are available for those without air conditioning throughout the area.
There are multiple centers on the city’s north side including the Northside Youth and Senior Center on Maffitt Avenue.
On the south side, there’s a cooling center at the Buder Library Branch on Hampton Avenue.
If you live close to downtown there are several to choose from, including the Christ Church Cathedral on Locust Street.
For a full list of colling centers, go to www.stlouis-mo.gov/live-work/summer/cooling-centers.cfm
