Meadows Foundation is a First Responder

There's something truly comforting about knowing that there is someone anticipating and reacting to our needs. The Meadows Foundation in Dallas is constantly staying abreast of critical situations that effect Texans, and then doing something about it.....fast.

As the summer heat soars, it is having an adverse effect on many of the elderly shut-ins, ill, and low-income citizens living without air conditioning. As has been a practice in past years when heat threatens lives in our community, The Meadows Foundation looks for ways to help. Last week, the Foundation contacted county officials and learned that they are receiving up to 300 calls a day from citizens seeking help. Fans are not adequate when temperatures are in the 100’s. The Dallas area has already experienced two heat-related deaths.

Out of the emergency/disaster authority granted to the president by the Foundation’s board, two grants have recently been awarded toward helping the heat relief effort in the Dallas area:
A grant of $48,000 was given the Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services to cover the cost and installation of 300 window air-conditioning units. The units were installed in residences of identified individuals immediately.

A grant of $10,000 was given to the Senior Source (formerly Senior Citizens) to provide assistance to low-income seniors who cannot pay their electric bills. This grant should encourage seniors to use their air conditioners, knowing they can afford to pay their higher electrical bills.

"It is important for foundations to respond in times of crisis. Our relationship with service providers helps us identify points of intervention in times of need, and our independence allows us to be of immediate help to those who may suffer," said Linda P. Evans, president and CEO of The Meadows Foundation.

And the cherry on top? Meadows Foundation staff will continue to monitor this situation throughout the summer to determine if additional grant assistance is needed.