Community Corner
Fairfax County Offers Cooling Programs
Fairfax County's Department of Family Services is currently accepting applications for its Cooling Assistance and Fan Care programs.
With temperatures forecast to soar into the 90s and hit 100 degrees this weekend, county residents should be aware of a couple of ways to cool down this summer, if they're having trouble affording air-conditioning.
The county, state and Dominion Power offer several options.
Cooling Assistance Program
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Types of available cooling assistance include:
- Payment of electric bills to operate cooling equipment
- Payment of security deposits for electricity to operate cooling equipment
- Repair of a central air conditioning system or heat pump
- Purchase of a whole-house fan, including ceiling or attic fans
- Purchase and installation of a window unit air conditioner for households without a working one
Eligible applicants must meet the following requirements:
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- Live in a household with a child under 6 years old, a person with disabilities, or an adult age 60 or older
- Maximum gross monthly income (before taxes) for a one-person household is $1,211 and $2,498 for a household of four.
The program, which is federally funded, is part of the Virginia Department of Social Services’ (VDSS) Energy Assistance Program which is funded by the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program block grant.
“Our goal is to help eligible low-income families and our most vulnerable citizens throughout Virginia, who simply cannot afford to pay their electric bill or perhaps repair an air conditioner,” said VDSS Commissioner Martin D. Brown.
“In the extreme heat of the summer months, indoor temperatures can quickly reach the same levels as outdoors, leading to life threatening conditions.”
Assistance is available until funds are depleted, and some applicants may be eligible for more than one type of assistance. Applications will be received until August 15 and can be filled out online.
You may also request an application by calling 703-787-3100; TTY: 711 or pick one up at any of the county’s DFS offices:
- Fairfax - Pennino Building, 12011 Government Center Parkway, 2nd floor
- Falls Church - 6245 Leesburg Pike (Route 7), 2nd floor
- Reston - Lake Anne Office Building, 11484 Washington Plaza West, 4th floor
- Richmond Highway/Alexandria - South County Center, 8350 Richmond Hwy (Rt. 1), 4th floor
For more information, please visit fairfaxcounty.gov.
Fan Care Program
In partnership with the Virginia Department for the Aging, Dominion Virginia Power is sponsoring the Fan Care program which provides about 200 fans and/or window air conditioners to eligible seniors in the area.
Eligible applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 60 years old
- Have heat-related health problems
- Meet income eligibility requirements
All incomes in a household are considered, but only adult per household needs to qualify. Only one fan or AC unit will be dispersed per household.
Applications will be accepted through September and can be obtained by calling the Fairfax County’s Department of Family Services – Fairfax Area Agency on Aging at 703-324-7694, TTY 703-449-1186.
Don't forget about your pets when the heat soars:
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