CINCINNATI, JUNE 30, 2020 – Summer is back. The heat. The humidity. The health danger it poses to those who don’t have access to air conditioning. That’s why St. Vincent de Paul is once again offering free fans and air conditioners to our neighbors in need. This is the 19th year St. Vincent de Paul has helped area residents with proper cooling during the hottest days of summer.

While in past years fans have been given away during selected distribution days, the distribution process is different this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Those interested in receiving a fan need to apply by phone and then schedule a pick-up appointment time by calling 513-421-0602. Appointments are made every 15 minutes during the day.

Each year St. Vincent de Paul gives away roughly 600 free fans and 350 air conditioners. This is done in partnership with Braun Heating and Air Conditioning.

“We helped over 950 families last summer thanks to the generosity of our local neighbors and community partners,” says St. Vincent de Paul Executive Director Mike Dunn. “Many of the neighbors we serve have children or are elderly with chronic health conditions. Having a fan or air conditioner is often the difference between living comfortably and a visit to the emergency room.”

Individuals receiving an air conditioner need to be age 65 or older, or provided documentation from a physician of medical need, and are only eligible once every five years. Those acquiring fans are only eligible once every two years.

Those interested in purchasing a fan or air conditioner for a neighbor can do so by:

· Making a financial gift by phone at 513-562-8854, or online at SVDPcincinnati.org/give. Fans can be purchased for $20; $115 provides an air conditioner.
· Donating a new fan or air conditioner at any one of the seven St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores. Visit SVDPcincinnati.org/find_us for store locations. According to state law, donated fans and air conditioners must be new.

About St. Vincent de Paul – Cincinnati
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has been providing innovative, practical emergency assistance to Greater Cincinnati residents in need for more than 150 years. The organization works personally with those in need, regardless of race or creed, to bridge the spiritual, emotional and material gaps in their lives through home visits provided by neighborhood-based volunteer groups, and groundbreaking initiatives like the Charitable Pharmacy as well as a network of 11 food pantries and seven thrift stores and donation centers across Cincinnati. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Cincinnati is a network of neighbors, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need. For more information, visit SVDPcincinnati.org.