ABCCM provides fans and AC units to Buncombe County residents in need

ABCCM’s cooling program gets a few hundred requests, and most come from residents with critical medical needs who need a fan or a window air-conditioning unit to make it through extreme mountain heat. Rev. Scott Rogers said the need has eased as more homes have been built or updated with central air, but vulnerable people in Buncombe County still rely on the program when temperatures climb.

U.S. Census Bureau estimates show more than 97% of North Carolina homes have air conditioning, while Buncombe County is at just over 7% of homes without AC. In Ashe County, about one-third of homes lack air conditioning, the highest rate in the state.

ABCCM has been part of Buncombe County since 1969 and is backed by more than 300 churches and more than 5,000 trained volunteers each year. The faith-based nonprofit serves more than 30,000 people annually through seven core ministries. Its Crisis Ministry served more than 38,512 people in 2024, offering food boxes, clothing, utility and rental assistance, and meals to low-income residents facing financial emergencies. The ministry uses that network to answer requests for cooling help when heat becomes a health risk.

NCDHHS’ Operation Fan Heat Relief has operated since 1986 and runs from May 1 through Oct. 31, with fans available through area agencies on aging. In some counties, adults with more serious health-related illnesses can also receive air conditioners on a client-specific basis. North Carolina’s Crisis Intervention Program can help households facing a life-threatening heating or cooling emergency, but only if no timely help is available from another source. Applications are accepted from July 1 through June 30 of the following year, or until money runs out.

Buncombe County residents can also sign up for Heat Health Alerts for dangerous heat warnings and safety tips.