Free A/C units given to eligible seniors, disabled in Houston area

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Some senior citizens living in Houston and Harris County don't have air-conditioning in their homes, so today they were given a way to beat the heat.

It's all part of a partnership between the City of Houston, Harris County and Reliant to get air-conditioning units to people who can't afford them. A $25,000 donation from Reliant is part of that effort. This is the tenth year Reliant has donated money to help out.

At the Magnolia Multi-Service Center in east Houston, Enrique Cardona and his wife Natalia were the first couple this year to receive a unit.

Speaking through a translator, Cardona thanked the city and Reliant for the portable air-conditioning unit that will keep he and his wife cool during the summer.

The unit handed out today is just the first of many officials hope to give away this summer.

To qualify, you have to be 60 years or older and live in Harris County. You can also qualify if you're younger than 60 and disabled.

Health officials tell Eyewitness News that it's important for senior citizens to stay cool during our long, hot summers.

For the Cardonas, the unit will mean months of cool air, instead of sweating it out.

If you want more information on how you can get on the list for a portable air-conditioning unit, you can call 832-393- 4301 to get on the list.