The government is providing free air conditioning and energy-efficient dryers assistance (HEAP) to low-income families. Community organizations will assist residents in Chinatown to apply for government-funded free air conditioning units and energy-saving dryers on May 23 and June 6. The organizers urge eligible individuals to expedite the process by preparing identification, income documents, welfare proofs, and electricity bills in advance to facilitate the application process.
Multiple non-profit organizations held a press conference in Manhattan’s Chinatown at the Yi Dong Plaza on May 20. They emphasized that the free air conditioning assistance program (HEAP) operates with an annual budget limit and follows a “first come, first served” basis. They urge qualifying residents to apply as soon as possible. Once approved, the government will directly contact the applicants for delivery and installation by the suppliers, selecting suitable models based on household window size and living environment.
The free energy-efficient dryers fall under the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) energy subsidy program, which is open for applications throughout the year without quotas. Eligible applicants include middle to low-income families without a dryer at home, who can provide an electricity bill with the applicant’s name for verification, and both landlords and tenants are eligible to apply.
According to the information released by the organizers, applicant households must meet income standards or be receiving SNAP, SSI, TA, or HEAP energy assistance. Based on the monthly income of the household, the income limits are $3,473 for a one-person household, $4,542 for a two-person household, $5,611 for a three-person household, $6,680 for a four-person household, $7,749 for a five-person household, with an additional $687 for each additional family member.
Furthermore, to qualify for assistance, households must meet at least one condition, such as having individuals aged 60 or above, children under 6 years old, or chronic patients with a doctor’s certification. Wu Li-hua pointed out that even if one is under 60 years old, if they are disabled with a doctor’s certification, they may still qualify to apply.
Wu Li-hua, founder of the New York Community Alliance, mentioned that many elderly and low-income residents in Chinatown are actually eligible for government subsidies. However, due to all application procedures being conducted online and lack of information and language barriers, many people do not know how to apply. Hence, they hope to assist residents in completing the procedures through community efforts.
Community leader Wang Di from the 65th District noted that there are a large number of middle to low-income and elderly residents in Chinatown and Lower East Side. Air conditioning is particularly important for the community, and he hopes more residents can make good use of government resources to safely get through the hot summer. He urges community residents not to miss out on the subsidy opportunity and to apply quickly.
Yu Jinshan, Chairman of the New York East China Association, stated that many families have long endured high medical and care expenses. Some residents need to take care of sick or disabled family members. Hiring a family caregiver can cost thousands to tens of thousands of dollars per month, making such government subsidies crucial for grassroots families.
Finally, the organizers remind community members wishing to apply that they can bring the necessary documents and apply in person at Room 149, 88 East Broadway in Chinatown on May 23 (Saturday) and June 6 (Saturday) from 11 am to 4 pm.