PETERSBURG, Va. – It was almost just as hot inside the home of Jacqueline Lewis as it was outside today, one of the hottest days of the year so far.
“It went out right smack in the middle of summer,” Lewis said, lamenting the loss of her air conditioning last year when the motor in it died.
“All I could say was that the Lord will get me through it,” she said of the struggle.
Lewis has a limited income and is out of work for months.
Jacqueline Lewis has been without AC for a year
She went to Social Services, but she struck out there – because she made $50 too much to be eligible for assistance.
Lewis shared her struggle with church member Maurice Swinson, who said her predicament has been on his heart ever since.
Maurice Swinson wanted to help a fellow church member
“A lightbulb went off, maybe I can call channel 6,” Swinson said. “Oh, who could imagine anyone elderly, seniors, in the house with no air?!”
The CBS 6 Problem Solvers called Billy Amacker and his team at James River Air Conditioning.
Billy Amacker and his team at James River Air Conditioning wanted to help
“Today it was 97 when I pulled up,” Amacker said. “It’s hot in there, even though she has all the blinds closed; it can be a dangerous situation.”
“I want to get her cool,” he added.
A quick trip to the Petersburg home and Amacker and his tech installed two window units for now, to give her a reprieve. They will return to replace her furnace.
James River works on furnace
James River Air believes in community outreach.
“We try to take care of as many people as we can,” Amacker said. “You know that we can't help everyone, but those that we can we try to make take care of them and make them comfortable and safe in their home.”
“Yes, it does leave me speechless,” Lewis said, thankful that someone cares.
“I’m so humbly grateful, not enough words to thank you for your help.”
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