News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cookeville Rescue Missions seeking community donations to help fund an emergency HVAC unit replacement.
Executive Director Bruce Bailey said an annual inspection indicated the unit could not be repaired and needed to be fully replaced. He said the unit covers the Welcome Center, kitchen, and dining areas where there are no windows to allow for fresh air.
“It affects a lot of people each and every day of the year anywhere from 6 a.m. til about 9 p.m.,” Bailey said. “So with hot weather coming, this is going to be a critical piece of mechanical equipment for us.”
Bailey said they serve around 45 individuals daily, many of whom have health issues like asthma, emphysema, allergies, and other ailments. He said they want to be able to provide a safe environment for them, and cool, clean air is part of that.
Bailey said current estimates have the cost to replace the HVAC at around $7,700. He said they are seeking a second quote, but know that this is something that their budget cannot handle.
“If we spend money on the HVAC system, that means we have $7,700 less to spend on food, shelter, hygiene products, and program costs,” Bailey said. “And four months from now, cold weather will set in and heating will be critical.”
Donations can be made to Cookeville Rescue Mission, 1331 S. Jefferson Avenue, Cookeville, TN 38506 or online at CookevilleRescueMission.org, designated for “HVAC.”
