Stay Cool Bloomington

This comprehensive program aims to promote community resilience to heat and ensure the well-being of our residents during hot weather.

Air Conditioner Distribution Program

Low income residents who live within the city limits and have a medical condition that increases their risk of a heat related illness can apply to receive one free window air conditioner and have it installed free of charge. The purpose of the AC Distribution Program is to prevent vulnerable populations from heat-related illnesses. Extreme heat kills more people in the United States than all other weather related events such as floods, tornados, and hurricanes. Extreme heat can be dangerous for anyone, but it can be especially dangerous for low-income residents with chronic medical conditions. High daytime and nighttime temperatures can cause stress on the human body which exacerbates health conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and renal disease. In addition, some medications (such as some antidepressants, diuretics, and beta-blockers) and chemotherapy treatments taken for a chronic illnesses may increase an individual’s sensitivity to heat by interfering with the body’s ability to regulate temperature, fluids, or electrolytes. No medical information or prescription from a doctor is required to participate in this program. 

The AC window unit is intended to cool one room in the resident's home in order to provide a place to retreat from extreme heat. 

Grant applications are currently being accepted through the City's grant portal, Civiform: https://civiform.bloomington.in.gov/programs. 

ESD will review the application and if all of the requirements are met, ESD will then notify the company that ESD has hired to complete the installations that an application is approved. The company will then schedule the install with the grant applicant. AC window units will be provided to those with approved applications on a first come, first serve basis while funding is available.