The Salvation Army Joins Annual "Cool Down St. Louis" Initiative
The Salvation Army is proud to announce its participation in the 23rd Annual Cool Down St. Louis initiative, a vital program aimed at assisting older adults and low-income individuals in staying cool and safe during the scorching summer months.
Launched on Monday, June 12th, this all-volunteer effort brings together more than 40 Missouri and Illinois organizations, including social service agencies, first responders, government bodies, businesses, civic groups, religious institutions, and media outlets.
Cool Down St. Louis, in collaboration with Ameren Missouri, plans to distribute a total of 800 air conditioning units across the region. Ameren Missouri has also made a generous cash donation of $100,000 to support vulnerable populations during this challenging time.
"We recognize the importance of a regional approach to ensuring the safety of our seniors and vulnerable residents during extreme weather conditions," said Major Tishaura Jones, the Major of St. Louis and honorary board chair of Cool Down St. Louis.
"Cool Down St. Louis has been a key regional leader for over two decades, bringing together organizations that significantly benefit the welfare of our public. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ameren for their continued partnership in this critical initiative. By working together, Cool Down St. Louis' partners will be able to provide a cooler, healthier, and safer summer for qualified applicants."
Cool Down St. Louis aims to improve the well-being of seniors susceptible to heat-related illnesses through their Saving our Seniors Summer program. The program will use available funds to help reduce the costs of energy bills for seniors, ensuring they can keep their air conditioning running during the hot summer months.
Families in need of energy assistance this summer are encouraged to visit cooldownstlouis.org or call 314-241-0001 for more information.
The Salvation Army's St. Louis Area Social Services Director, LaKeysha Fields, expressed her gratitude for the partnership with Heat Up/Cool Down St. Louis, stating, "This collaboration is truly amazing. By partnering with Cool Down St. Louis, we can make a significant impact on the lives of many vulnerable individuals in our community. The Salvation Army believes in the power of working together with our partners to help as many people as possible. We are honored to be a proud partner of Heat Up/Cool Down St. Louis."
Chief Dennis Jenkerson, Fire Chief of St. Louis City and Fire Chiefs Association of Greater St. Louis, praised the initiative, saying, "This charity saves lives and helps make our community safer for vulnerable residents. The Ameren Cool Down St. Louis.org S.O.S (Save Our Seniors) program is a phenomenal public service instrument. Through this program, we can prevent heat-related illnesses and potential deaths among the most vulnerable in our community. Cool Down St. Louis has significantly reduced heat-related fatalities since its inception. We encourage everyone to check on their neighbors this summer, reach out to them, and ensure their well-being during the heatwave."
To apply for an air conditioning unit through the Cool Down St. Louis initiative, interested individuals can contact their local Salvation Army corps for application forms. Please note that applicants are limited to one application per household. Eligibility criteria include having a registered disability, being elderly, or having a child under the age of five.