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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by JerryPharmStudent on May 8, 2007, at 14:20:56
HI all-
I don' tknow who to write to or call so I thought I'd start here. Due to my meds and my severe weight gain I have a big problem keeping cool in the summer. My apartment complex does not allow air conditioning window units to be installed and it's getting to the point where I scared for my health.
My only option is a portable air conditioner unit which runs $300 but I cannot affor it and my parents are unwilling to help - even tho they know I'm at a severe risk for overheating and hypertension.
I don't know of any assitance programs that would help me pay for something like this - but I am desparate. I am considering spending all the money I have left on food for the month on buying one of these portable A/C units. I cannot bear the heat.
It's not a matter of just being comfortable - there's a huge health risk involved as I live on the 3rd floor where it is very hot. I also have severe asthma.
My apartment managers still say no and I am at a loss. Maybe I should sell my medication on the street for money? I know that;s stupid an illegal but like I said I desparate.
What can I do? I feel liek I'm asking for handouts - but.......???
Does anyone have any advice????? Please
Jerry
thank you.
Posted by gardenergirl on May 8, 2007, at 16:15:11
In reply to Need help geting an air conditioner - health prob, posted by JerryPharmStudent on May 8, 2007, at 14:20:56
Hey Jerry,
I don't have any immediate suggestions other than maybe contact the utility company to see if they have any assistance programs. What an awful situation. I've got heat intolerance and excessive sweating from Nardil, plus I take lithium, so I can relate to how difficult, and even dangerous it is to deal with heat for some.If/when I come up with anything else, I'll let you know. Hang in there, 'k?
gg
Posted by verne on May 9, 2007, at 9:26:58
In reply to Need help geting an air conditioner - health prob, posted by JerryPharmStudent on May 8, 2007, at 14:20:56
Besides contacting the utility company as previously suggested or anyone else you can think of that may have an assistance program, write the apartment manager and owners (could be separate) a request for an exception to their AC policy due to your health concerns.
The letter should be unemotional and succinct, describing your situation. A simple, reasonable, request without threats or demands. Date and sign it. Make a few copies.
If they deny your request, or don't respond at all, you'll have something to take to legal aid (usually free and they help with landlord-tenant disputes), and city or county health inspectors. If your city has a rental inspector that may be another avenue. The apartment is a health hazard without air conditioning.
There's nothing like written requests to get peoples' attention. Document, document, document.
Where I live we have a county senior citizens center that is the center for assistance programs for all ages. Other resources might be your city council person or other county and city legislators. Even someone at the state level may be able to help - state assistance or an omsbudsman.
These are just a few suggestions - by no means exhaustive. I'm just thinking off the top of my throbbing head.
Finally, churches may lend a hand. Some of the bigger churches have funds set aside just for this sort of thing. Other long shots are organizations like the Red Cross or even Habitat for Humanity (they've been known to improve and repair existing housing).
Cast a wide net.
Verne
This is the end of the thread.
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