Dutchess County is allocating $35,000 in funding to provide cooling assistance, prioritizing local seniors and medically vulnerable people.

Eligible residents can get a free window air conditioning unit through the county program in coordination with the Dutchess County Office for the Aging and the Department of Community and Family Services.

The New York State Cooling Assistance Program, administered through the state's Home Energy Assistance Program, usually extends from late spring through August or until funding is exhausted, which is the case for this year.

"Far too many older adults quietly tough out these hot summer days without air conditioning because they simply can't afford it — and now with the state's program out of funds, their options are even more limited," Dutchess Coun

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