Columbia Voluntary Action Center set to begin multiple programs Monday

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Voluntary Action Center is set to begin multiple programs in an effort to help lower income residents stay cool during the summer months.

Set to begin Monday, is the VAC's annual fan program. The program, provides fans to low income households in Columbia with eligible clients able to receive a new fan every other year.

The VAC is accepting both monetary donations on its website, as well as donations of gently used fans. Donors can drop off the fans in the VAC lobby, open Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's.

"All of our clients have to be within 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, which obviously no one knows, so you can always call and ask us if you are income eligible, and we can tell you," said program coordinator Olivia Banik.

The program is set to run from though September and residents can pick up their fans in the lobby.

The VAC is also set to begin an air conditioner exchange on Monday, where low income residents may be eligible to have their older AC units replaced with newer, more cost efficient units.

According to the group, those looking to participate will need to call the VAC at (573) 874-2273 in order to determine eligibility. Residents will also be required to fax their latest utility bill to the VAC, at (573) 874-9172.

The Voluntary Action Center said the replacements help residents not only stay cooler during the summer months, but also can lower utility costs for residents.

All old air conditioners replaced by the VAC are properly disposed of and recycled by the city.