Heat Assistance Available

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - There have been seven heat related deaths even after Memphis families were given free fans to battle the deadly temperatures. With the start of a new fiscal year, the city is in a position to hand out cash assistance for families struggling to pay their utility bills.

With the death toll rising as a result of the heat wave, city leaders are hoping people who need help will take advantage of resources. July 1 means more money for families who need to keep the lights on to stay cool.

The seemingly relentless heat wave in the Mid-South has already claimed seven lives this summer. The news is disturbing to city councilman Harold Collins.

Collins says "a life is a life and we want to do whatever is necessary to preserve that life."

None of the victims were using air conditioning when they were discovered. The victims range in age from 53 to 89 years old. 71 year old Dorothy Welch has an idea why people her age choose fans over air.

"I think a lot of it is because they are on a small income, and they're trying to cut back on their electric bills," says Welch.

Fully aware that fixed incomes pose problems with paying bills, Collins says the city council has put funds in place for people who are having a tough time paying their utility bills.

Collins says "we shouldn't be a community that we are willing to allow some of the most vulnerable people in our community suffer and die because they are afraid to seek people."

This year, the council members made it a point to allocate a little more. The amount available to Memphis city residents is $2.5M.

"We want to be on the forefront of trying to assist our community recognizing we are in economic downturn, people are losing their jobs, people are having difficult time these days, and we the council thought we would put something together to offset these cost," says Collins.

And Dorothy Welch urges her peers to not cut back during these dog days of summer trying to pinch pennies because it could cost you, your life.

Welch warns "if you got it, use it, cause its beneficial to your health."

To get more information about the City of Memphis Utility Assistance Program, you can call the Office of Human Services at 545-7200. Also, you'll find links to complete lists of MLGW Assistance programs and Memphis Cooling Centers on the left side of this page.