On June 27, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones and her staff distributed 300 portable A/C units to help Precinct 4 families stay cool and safe. More than 60 of the units were given to families in the greater Katy area. The distribution took place at Bayland Community Center, 6400 Bissonnet Street in Houston.

As record-breaking heat continues to impact Harris County, Commissioner Briones and Precinct4Forward launched Year 2 of “Cool 4 the Summer’ to help protect the community’s most vulnerable residents. Building on last year's success, when 250 portable A/C units were distributed, the program provided 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 Commissioner Briones.

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.”

“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.