Abby Hoover
Managing Editor

As spring turns into summer and the temperature continues to rise, many eldlerly and disabled Kansas Citians find themselves suffering from extreme temperatures in their homes due to the lack of air conditioning.

For the last 21 years, Bishop Sullivan Center at 6435 E. Truman Rd. has helped this cause through Project ElderCool. The program was initiated to help seniors during the extreme heat that summer brings.

In the summer of 1999, 21 seniors lost their lives in Kansas City due to deadly heat. This prompted Bishop Sullivan Center to create Project ElderCool, which runs annually from June to August. Since the program began in the summer of 2000, over 5,600 air conditioner units have been installed in seniors’ homes.

“In extreme cases, if the elderly person has any health issues, especially respiratory, and they don’t have air conditioning, can’t afford it, it can be life threatening,” said Director of Bishop Sullivan Center Tom Turner. “The idea was to give any senior who cannot afford an air conditioner to get them one so they’d at least have one room wherein they could take refuge if things got too hot in their house.”

Last year, air conditioners were installed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic while following safety and health guidelines.

“Everyone is wearing masks whenever we install them,” Turner said at the height of the pandemic. “We’re telling people to keep their distance and we’ve already started installing some. We installed five this week.”

When asked if there was a set number of air conditioner units available, Turner said it was based on the needs of the community. In order to receive a free air conditioner, seniors must meet eligibility requirements. Once their application has been accepted, the wait for cool air is brief.

“Once someone has applied and been accepted, depending on demand and heat, it’s installed the same day or the next day,” Turner said.

To be eligible for a free air conditioner unit, seniors must be 65 or older without an air conditioner unit at home, live under 150% of the poverty threshold or have a respiratory disability. Those eligible can call (816) 231-0984 to apply over the phone.

“We often find they have been drawing the shades and relying on fans to get by, but their room is still usually nearing 90 degrees,” according to the organization’s website. “You can help an elderly neighbor or person with a respiratory disability survive the summer.”

Those interested in donating to Project ElderCool can contribute any amount, but $150 will cover an air conditioner along with delivery and installation in the recipient’s home. Providing $100 will help pay their electric bill and offset the cost to run their new air conditioner.

Bishop Sullivan Center provides programs on three pillars – food, jobs and aid – to support the community and improve the lives of all who live here.
In addition to Project ElderCool, Bishop Sullivan Center offers rent and utilities assistance, employment services, a clothes closet, medicine cabinet and food pantry. More information can be found at www.bishopsullivan.org.