As record-breaking heat continues to impact Harris County, Commissioner Lesley Briones and Precinct4Forward have launched the Cool 4 the Summer initiative to help protect the community’s most vulnerable residents.

The program will provide 150 free portable air conditioning units to eligible residents of Harris County Precinct 4, including:

• Seniors (age 60+)
• Low-income households
• Veterans
• Individuals with disabilities

“During this extreme heat, lives and quality of life are at stake. We must act decisively to protect our vulnerable communities. I’m thankful that through the power of partnerships, we can provide relief to those who need it the most,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones.

Heat mapping conducted by the Houston Advanced Research Council (HARC) found an 11-degree temperature difference between the hottest and coolest areas in Precinct 4. Neighborhoods like Alief, Westwood, Sharpstown, Braeburn, Gulfton, and Mid-West face some of the most extreme urban heat island effects.

“Heat disproportionately impacts our most vulnerable communities,” said Dr. Meredith Jennings, Director of Local Government & Community Initiatives for HARC. “We’re proud to partner with Commissioner Briones on data-driven efforts that prioritize solutions where they’re needed most.”

According to Harris County Public Health (HCPH), heat-related illnesses surged by 329% between 2019 and 2023.

“We are thankful to Commissioner Lesley Briones for her continued leadership in addressing critical public health issues such as the excessive heat crisis,” Leah Barton, Interim Executive Director of HCPH. “HCPH is committed to protecting the community from heat related illnesses through education, partnerships, and proactive measures.”

Cool 4 the Summer is funded by a $16,000 grant from Precinct4Forward, a $10,000 donation from The Daspit Law Firm, and a $3,000 gift from AshBritt.

“Precinct4Forward exists to bridge gaps and bring critical resources directly to the communities that need them most,” said Kara Cook-Schultz, Executive Director of Precinct4Forward. “We’re proud to stand alongside our partners to deliver real relief where it matters.”

“The Daspit Law Firm is happy to support Precinct4Forward’s Cool 4 the Summer initiative. As someone who grew up in Precinct 4, I have strong ties to this community. I thank Commissioner Briones for her commitment to serving the people of this area,” said John Daspit, founder of The Daspit Law Firm.

“AshBritt is proud to support impactful programs like the Cool 4 the Summer A/C Giveaway, which provide immediate and essential relief to those who need it most,” said Brittany Perkins Castillo, President and CEO of AshBritt. “Collaborations like these exemplify our unwavering commitment to public safety and strengthening community resilience.”

Eligibility and Application Details

• Unit history: Applicants must not have received a free A/C unit from any program in the past two years.
• Household limit: One unit per household. Duplicate applications from the same address will not be accepted.
• Distribution timeline: Units will be distributed in June to eligible applicants, while supplies last.
• Application deadline: June 13, 2025.

Apply online at: cp4.harriscountytx.gov/Cool4TheSummer or in person at any Precinct 4 Community Center. For help with the application, call 832-927-4444 or email [email protected].