When Haven for Hope’s Chapel air conditioning unit was only running at 1/2 its capacity this summer, Shannon Mills, owner of BLCCS, knew something had to be done.
Haven has seen an influx of families experiencing homelessness and many of the Family Emergency Services clients sleep in the Chapel. The temperature was reaching 80 degrees every night. BLCCS who regularly maintains Haven’s HVAC systems determined the cost for repairs would be $18,000. But there was one problem, it was hard to find the parts. It was estimated it would take weeks or months to get it repaired. Plus the unit was more than 15 years old, so Mills decided Haven needed a brand new unit. BLCCS donated the 2,000-ton air conditioner and the labor for installation, at a value of more than $40,000.
“I started my business knowing I wanted to get to the point where I could give back,” said Mills. “We couldn’t have people who are already dealing with a difficult situation, sleep in uncomfortable conditions.”
Clients gathered near the Chapel to see the new unit get installed. “This is amazing,” said one client. “It’s been so hot in the Chapel at night. It makes it hard to sleep, especially for the babies and children.” When the clients found out the air conditioner was donated, they quickly expressed their gratitude to Mills and her team.
Click below to watch news coverage of the generous donation.
