BEAUMONT, Texas — An area business and non-profit organization are teaming up to make sure Southeast Texans do not have to choose between staying cool and paying their bills during the summer.
Amid the sweltering Southeast Texas heat, Salvation Army members said area community members are being forced to make choices they should not have to.
"There's alot of illness, and they have to decide whether or not to go to the doctor, get their medication or to pay their bills,” Elizabeth Rodriguez, Salvation Army Case manager, said.
During the summer of 2022, Rodriguez has seen an increase in people who need assistance in paying their air conditioning bill. For those struggling, Rodriguez said there are resources that can help thanks to a partnership with the Salvation Army and Entergy
The Salvation Army and Entergy are holding their annual Beat the Heat drive to help Southeast Texans cool off and save money.
"We're delivering fans to the Salvation Army today,” Ronald Fletcher, Entergy customer service manager said. “And we're very excited about that. We're dropping off in all of our agencies that we're partnering with over 1300 fans this year."
For Entergy, this marks 22 years of fan distribution to help cut down costs. Fletcher said bills can increase over the summer but resources are just a call away.
"Power to Care is one right now that we partner with, some of the major nonprofit agencies where customers can go there and apply for funding to help them with their electric bill,” Fletcher said.
More than 100 fans were distributed to the Salvation Army of Beaumont on Monday.
Anyone who would like a fan or is in need assistance with their air conditioning can reach out to the Salvation Army or contact Entergy at their website.
Also on 12NewsNow.com ...