Madison County to distribute free AC units to low-income residential households
As temperatures begin to rise, Madison County Community Development is aiding vulnerable residents a way to stay safe and cool.
Through its Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program, the department will provide free window air conditioning units to qualifying low-income households that include elderly residents, individuals with certain medical conditions, or families with young children.
The program is designed to help residents who may be particularly vulnerable to extreme heat.
“High temperatures can be dangerous for seniors, young children and individuals with certain medical conditions,” Madison County Community Development Administrator Stacey Pace said. “This program helps ensure that residents who need relief the most have access to a safe and comfortable home environment.”
Households that have received a window air conditioner from Madison County Community Development within the past three years are not eligible for the program.
To qualify, applicants must meet several requirements:
- Household must reside in Madison County
- Household MUST HAVE income
- Household must have income and be at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Applicants must complete an intake form
- A valid photo ID is required
- Social Security cards for every household member must be provided
- Gross income documentation for the past 30 days must be provided for all household members ages 18 and older
- A current utility bill must be provided showing the household has active utilities and is not facing disconnection, with a balance less than $600
Households must also meet at least one of the following criteria:
- At least one household member age 60 or older
- A household member with a medical condition that can be relieved by air conditioning, such as asthma, COPD, emphysema, coronary disease or terminal illness (a physician’s letter is required for applicants under age 60)
- Children age 5 or younger living in the household
Income guidelines:
Eligible households must fall within the following 30-day gross income limits (200 percent Federal Poverty Guidelines):
| Family Size | 30-Day Gross Income |
| 1 | $2,660 |
| 2 | $3,607 |
| 3 | $4,553 |
| 4 | $5,500 |
| 5 | $6,447 |
| 6 | $7,393 |
| 7 | $8,340 |
| 8 | $9,287 |
— For each additional household member, add $946.
Only one window air conditioning unit will be provided per qualifying household.
Residents who receive a unit will be required to sign a release, waiver and indemnifying agreement, and the individual who completed the application must be the one to pick up the unit with a photo ID.
How to apply:
Appointments are required.
Residents can schedule an appointment by calling (618) 296-6177 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Officials encourage residents who believe they may qualify to call early, as supplies are limited.
