IRVING, Texas — As North Texas prepares for another summer of triple-digit temperatures, The Senior Source has opened registration for its annual Beat the Heat program, which provides free window air conditioning units and box fans to qualifying older adults throughout Dallas County.
The program, supported by TXU Energy and Tyler Street Foundation, helps seniors who do not have working air conditioning or cannot afford needed repairs remain safe during extreme summer heat.
Following a successful distribution event in Irving last year, Irving Cares is once again partnering with The Senior Source to host one of two cooling assistance events scheduled for July.
This year's Beat the Heat distribution events will be held at:
- Irving Cares, 440 S. Nursery Road, Suite 101, Irving, on Saturday, July 11, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Tyler Street Church, 927 W. 10th Street, Dallas (Oak Cliff), on Saturday, July 25, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
The Senior Source expects to distribute approximately 650 window air conditioning units and 250 box fans through the 2026 program.
In addition to receiving cooling equipment, participants will have access to a Senior Expo sponsored by Tyler Street Foundation. The expo will connect older adults with community organizations, support services and resources designed to promote health, safety and independence.
New This Year
A new partnership with Dallas Fire-Rescue has also been added this year. Through the collaboration, Dallas Fire-Rescue will receive 100 window air conditioning units to distribute and install for older adults identified through emergency calls or community outreach efforts as facing urgent heat-related risks.
Officials emphasized that seniors seeking assistance should contact The Senior Source directly and not Dallas Fire-Rescue.
"Extreme heat is not just uncomfortable for older adults. It can be dangerous, especially for those living without a reliable way to cool their homes," said Stacey Malcolmson, CEO of The Senior Source. "Beat the Heat gives Dallas seniors immediate relief while connecting them with support and services that can help them stay safer throughout the summer."
Patrick Johnson, Energy Assistance Manager with TXU Energy, said the program provides critical support during the state's hottest months.
"Summer in Texas is no small thing, and we hear from customers every year about the strain that comes with it," Johnson said. "That's exactly why our partnership with The Senior Source matters. Beat the Heat puts cooling units directly in the hands of older adults who can't afford to wait for relief."
To qualify for a free window air conditioning unit or box fan, applicants must:
- Live in Dallas County
- Be at least 60 years old
- Have no working air conditioning or be unable to afford repairs
- Agree to attend the Beat the Heat Senior Expo at their selected pickup location
Older adults and caregivers can register through The Senior Source (English here or in Spanish here.). Community members wishing to support the program may also make donations to help fund cooling equipment and distribution efforts for seniors in need.
Additional support for the program comes from United Texas Bank, Globe Life and other community sponsors.
