– As record-breaking heat continues to impact Harris County, Commissioner Precinct 4 Lesley Briones and Precinct4Forward have launched Year 2 of “Cool 4 the Summer” to help protect the community’s most vulnerable residents, the precinct staff said in a May 6 press release . Building on last year's success, when 250 portable A/C units were distributed, the program will provide 300 free portable air conditioning units in 2026 to eligible residents of Harris County Precinct 4, including:

· Seniors (age 60+)

· Low-income households

· Veterans

· Individuals with disabilities


“Relief should not be a luxury, especially as heat-related illnesses continue to rise throughout the county,” said Briones. “As a mom of three little girls, it makes my heart happy knowing that we are delivering relief for these individuals. Families will be cooler, rest easier, and stay healthier throughout this very hot Harris County summer.”

“This partnership is in response to the need, every single day, to save lives,” said Council Member Abbie Kamin, City of Houston. "The three hottest years on record have been the last three years. It’s always hot in Texas, but it’s getting hotter . . . we know that leads to more emergency room visits and strains our health care systems.”

Heat mapping conducted by the Houston Advanced Research Council (HARC) found a 17-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. “It is initiatives like ForUsTree and Cool 4 the Summer that stand to benefit some of the most heat vulnerable communities in Houston and Harris County,” said Ryan Bare, Nature-Based Solutions Director of HARC. “I would like to thank the precinct for their leadership and partnership on this important issue.” According to Harris County Public Health (HCPH), heat-related illnesses surged by 329% between 2019 and 2023, and heat-related deaths surged by 231% between 2022 and 2023.

“Excessive heat is a pressing public health issue that disproportionately affects our most vulnerable community members,” said Leah Barton, Executive Director of HCPH. “By staying informed, taking preventative action and supporting community initiatives like this one we can reduce our risk and save lives, thank you again Commissioner Briones.”

Cool 4 the Summer is funded by donations from DRC Emergency Services of $10,000, Tetra Tech of $5,000, AshBritt of $5,000, and an anonymous donation of $35,000.

“Precinct 4 and Precint4Forward are making sure that our most vulnerable residents are not left behind,” said Anne Sung, Vice President, Precinct4Forward, “especially during the extreme heat of Harris County summers."

“Through this partnership last year alone we were able to identify 20 vulnerable individuals, and we were able to supply these AC units,” said Bruno Gonzalez, Director of Marketing & Strategic Partnerships, Spring Branch Community Health Center. "Through these initiatives we are making a difference.”

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: May 29, 2026.

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 service@hcp4.net.

During the program’s first year in 2025, approximately 25% of the recipients lived in the following P4 -Katy zip codes: 77449, 77494, 77450, 77094 77493, according to previous reporting by the Katy Times.