In the summer months, Brenda Engelhart says even her cat gets hot. She lives in low income housing with no A/C.
"I have diabetes and I get a lot of infections from the heat," said Brenda.
It's a reality for hundreds in Madison, who are destitute, elderly or disabled. For Dustin, having air conditioning is life or death. He has a spinal cord injury.
"Because of that, I am unable to regulate my core temperature so I don't sweat and I don't get warm on my own," said Dustin Palenshus.
Yet, as a low-income resident, his apartment did not come with A/C. He had to buy it on his own.
"When We built our housing back in the 60s and 70s that was considered a luxury item they didn't permit it," said Augustin Olvera with the Community Development Authority.
Since then, the Department of Housing and Urban Development has changed its position. A/C is now considered a non-luxury item and is allowed. But according to the City of Madison, only 4 percent of low-income apartments have it.
"That's ridiculous," said Dustin.
"It's like we are forgotten people," said Brenda.
Olvera says A/C units are only being put in when a complex needs major renovations or needs to be rebuilt.
"Many of our units are getting old and probably need to be replaced so when we tear them down and replace them, yes we will be putting in air conditioning," said Olvera.
Until then, out 886 low income units in Madison only 36 have A/C, leaving folks like Dustin and Brenda to find the cash...
"I think the one I bought was around 350 dollars," said Dustin.
Or sweat it out.
"It's not right that low income families, I am not just saying for me but everybody - should have air," said Brenda.
Because of a major renovation on Madison's East side, the City says 47 more units in the Truax apartments will get A/C but in order to refurbish any more complexes, the City says it needs more money from the State or Federal government
Several local non-profits tell us they get many calls from people who need A/C but they get very few A/C donations to give out. So if anyone out there has a working A/C unit that they can donate - think about doing it.
Saint Vincent de Paul says residents can drop of A/C donations at any of its five locations. The units should be working and less than 5 years old. If you would like to have it picked up from your house, call 278-2920.
