With temperatures soaring and heat indices expected to top 100 degrees in the St. Louis area through Thursday, the continuing effort to assist residents impacted by the tornado, seniors, and vulnerable families has reached a critical point.
“The heat intensifies everything,” said Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban league of Metropolitan St. Louis.
McMillan and the Urban League have partnered with Cooldownstlouis.org and the Cooldownmissouri.org “Save our Seniors” (S.O.S.) initiatives since they were founded 25 years ago to provide air conditioning units and resources during winter to help families keep cool and warm during extreme weather.
We have also been with them since day one,” said McMillan who also serves as an executive board member of the charity.
“The Urban League depends on the generosity and resourcefulness of organizations like Ameren Missouri, Cooldownstlouis.org and Cooldownmissouri.org.”
Ameren Missouri donated 900 ENERGY STAR certified window air conditioners to the Cooldown organizations on Tuesday to support the company’s most vulnerable customers in St. Louis and communities throughout Missouri.
It is Ameren Missouri’s 20th year of participation in the program. It has helped deliver nearly 20,000 donated energy-efficient window air conditioner units.
One hundred of the air conditioners will go to customers throughout Ameren Missouri’s service territory who experienced severe weather impacts throughout 2025 and do not have any air conditioning.
“We understand the recent severe weather had a devastating impact on our communities, so we’re continuing to offer additional assistance in a variety of ways to help keep our neighbors cool and safe this summer,” said Mark Birk, chair and president of Ameren Missouri
The Rev. Earl Nance Jr., Cooldown treasurer and chair emeritus advised area residents to use their air conditioners, regardless of cost.
“Turn on the air without worrying about your utility bills,” he said.
He said Ameren and partners are also helping residents meet the challenges of increasing utility bills.
“We can save lives and make sure the people who need an air conditioner qualify for one and use it safely. In our 25 years of working throughout the community, we have impacted the lives of more than 1.8 million people.
“Ameren Missouri is a great partner who does the right things to ensure its customers are safe.”
State Sen. Karla May, Cooldownstlouis.org co-chair of compliance, said the charity is grateful for the air conditioners after the recent tornado.
“It proved to be simply devastating, leaving many of our residents shaken to the core and horrified,” she said.
She added that more assistance is needed.
“We are encouraging additional resources from the public,” said May.
“We are asking the business community and individuals who want to adopt a family or a senior for an air conditioner to contact us. An area resident will only be considered if they have absolutely no working unit, and we now have a waiting list.”
Individuals and families seeking this assistance should visit Cooldownstlouis.org and fill out an application using a mobile device. Families will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson said the St. Louis Fire Department made four heat-related calls on Monday and he expects more as the heat wave continues.
“I know for a fact that the bi-state charity saves lives as we continue to see the dangerous effects of being without an air conditioner while visiting hundreds of homes over the years,” he said.
“It is shocking, especially for our most vulnerable who struggle with paying their utility bills, groceries and buying medication.”
He explained that the air conditioners will only go to seniors, physically disabled individuals, and families with small children who have medical conditions. They must also be without air conditioning.
Older adults and people with disabilities can apply for energy assistance funds by visiting Cooldownstlouis.org or Cooldownmissouri.org, or by calling (314) 241-0001 or (314) 834-0034, the hotlines for seniors and people with disabilities.
Cooldownstlouis.org and Cooldownmissouri.org will also be distributing 200,000 cooling cards with helpful summer tips along with Ameren Missouri’s contact information to connect customers to available resources.
Energy assistance is also available to Ameren Missouri customers who need help paying their bills. Visit AmerenMissouri.com/EnergyAssistance to find an agency and learn about all program options, including:
- Cooldownstlouis.org/AmerenAssistance – Clients are eligible for upwards of $600. Call 314.241.0001 for more information.
- Veterans Assistance – Active-duty military and veterans can receive up to $600 to help pay a past-due utility bill. Call 211 for details.
- Dollar More – Eligible customers can receive up to $600.
- LIHEAP Summer Crisis Assistance – Eligible customers can receive up to $300.
- Flexible payment arrangements and payment agreements can also be made with Ameren Missouri.
“We are stronger because of the determination and volunteer spirit of the Cool Down effectiveness,” said McMillan.
“Their efforts have been lauded by presidents, senators, governors and other similar organizations to our own.”