Summer is around the corner. It’s a time of the year that causes the Brown family to cringe.
“You sweat, but being skinny helps,” said Urtorio Brown. “When you’re hot, it’s hard for you to get a good night's sleep.”
There have been a lot of steamy nights inside the Browns' home. For five years, they have gone without central heating and air conditioning. Their old system broke and new units were out of their price range. They were also trying to save money for a new roof and A/C.
Now, they won’t have to choose.
“There are actually more people out there without A/C than you would guess,” said Josue Cabrera, the owner of ACS Home Services. “We’re an air conditioning company. So, we’re just trying to do something with what we have at our disposal.”
The temperature inside the Browns' home would flirt with 100 degrees, especially when Niki started cooking.
“It’s difficult trying to prepare meals while it’s hot,” she said.
Their four children agree. They argue over who gets to use the portable fan in their room. The family has a box unit in the wall to help offset the temperature in a blazing home.
“I just don’t wear shirts at all usually because it be so hot,” said Urtorio Brown Jr.
Cabrera, a board member at the Tampa YMCA, mentioned to the community center that he was interested in donating free A/C units this summer to help families who were struggling to cool down. The YMCA helped match his business with deserving families.
“I can’t imagine getting in my car and driving a block without A/C,” said Michael Brown, the executive director of Tampa YMCA. “This whole thing is truly in alignment.”
The Brown family’s home is nice and cool now. No more sweaty nights in bunk beds with nothing but a box fan for relief. Now, thanks to a generous businessman, life will be a lot more comfortable in their home.
“It’s something everyone should have,” said Cabrera.
A new air conditioning unit can cost over $5,000. ACS Home Services was founded in 2014.
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