From Crisis to Comfort: Step Forward Distributes ACs and Fans Across Cleveland

Angela Graves
Jul 30
2 min read

Step Forward staff loads an air conditioner into a HEAP client's vehicle.

On Tuesday, July 23, Step Forward brought much-needed relief to Greater Cleveland residents facing the summer heat. Held at the IX Center, our Mobile Resource Fair and HEAP Client AC & Fan Pickup event served individuals who had applied for and completed their Summer Crisis Program (SCP) appointments. This targeted outreach was designed to quickly get cooling assistance into the hands of our most vulnerable community members just in time for the hottest weeks of summer.

Clients who had been verified and approved through the Summer Crisis Program were invited to attend the event and pick up their cooling devices. By the end of the day, Step Forward distributed:

66 air conditioners on site
4 additional air conditioners via home visits for clients unable to attend
132 fans at the event
8 additional fans distributed through follow-up home visits

Step Forward staff verifies a client's HEAP status.

This event exemplified what happens when strategic outreach meets logistical efficiency: direct, meaningful impact for residents who needed it most.

The Summer Crisis Program Is Still Open!

If you or someone you know is in a home without adequate cooling, Step Forward's Summer Crisis Program runs through September 30. This program is designed specifically for:

Residents who are disconnected from utility services
Individuals who have received a disconnect notice
Community members aged 60 or older

For more information about scheduling a Summer Crisis Program appointment, click here or call our HEAP hotline at (216) 480-HEAP (4327).

We are also planning a second AC and fan distribution event in August for approved clients. This upcoming event will be invite-only, with date and logistics to be announced soon.

The success of this event would not have been possible without the close collaboration between Step Forward’s Community Services and Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) teams. Their coordinated planning ensured that this distribution was not just functional, but dignified, respectful, and accessible.

As we continue serving our neighbors this summer, this event stands as a reminder that when we mobilize together, we make lasting change, one household at a time.