A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

St. Vincent de Paul Summer Breeze Program provides relief to those at risk in NKy, needs donations


The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is planning for the heat and humidity of summer.

During the summer, many in our community are at risk, especially during a long stretch of 100-plus-degree days.  Many that fall into this risk category are children, the elderly and those who are suffering from life-threatening respiratory conditions such as COPD, asthma and lung cancer.

Through the Summer Breeze Program, St. Vincent de Paul provides fans to our neighbors needing help to cope with the Northern Kentucky summer heat and humidity.  Room air conditioner units are also available to those with a documented medical condition requiring them to have air conditioning.

Each year, there are many heartbreaking stories.  Maria who suffers from asthma struggled to cope with the heat and humidity.  Her life was changed for the better after receiving an air conditioner and fan from St. Vincent de Paul last summer.  Maria expressed her gratitude saying, “this organization does amazing things for people.”

The Summer Breeze program operates from May through September. For the past 19 years, St. Vincent de Paul has been the only organization in Northern Kentucky offering a heat relief program.

Due to the generosity of financial donors and foundations, St. Vincent de Paul was able to fulfill all requests last summer for air conditioners and fans to those who qualified.  Since 1998, it has provided over 7,500 air conditioners and fans to the community.  The goal this year is to provide $15,000 in heat relief.

“Heat and humidity are a reality of our summers.  Coping with extreme heat becomes a true medical emergency for some of the most vulnerable in our community.  We are fortunate to have the support of our community to help us bring relief and comfort to those in need,” commented Executive Director Karen Zengel.

Those needing a fan or air conditioner are asked to call St. Vincent’s assistance line at 859-341-3219, Monday – Friday from 10am to 2pm and ask for help.   St. Vincent is also in need of donations of fans, air conditioners and financial assistance to help with the purchasing of units. You can help give relief to those suffering with terminal and acute pulmonary illnesses by donating to the Summer Breeze program. Click here to help.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky through its 30 conferences provides rent and utility assistance, food, clothing and furnishing to nearly 31,000 Northern Kentuckians in need last year.  Its mission is to lead women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering.

For more information go to  www.svdpnky.org


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One Comment

  1. Tonya Henn says:

    Im in need of an air unit or fan please and thank you. I have asthma and especially when humidity is high it very hard to breath. Please consider me for a donation. Thank you

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