FLINT, Mich (WJRT) – Seniors in Flint’s First District battle the heat together during the heat wave.
The Hasselbring Senior Center also serves as a cooling center for the elderly during the summer.
A bustling pool table and an active computer class show that air conditioning isn’t the only attraction for seniors in Hasselbring. In fact, many say they have their own units!
But as volunteer Brenda Harris said, she feels like she’s had enough time at home.
“Sitting in this house for two and a half years did something to me. It made me think, ‘I have to get out of here! I can’t keep sitting here and having fun’ “, she explained.
It’s a sentiment shared by many at the center.
“You can stay home. But then you’re stuck inside. You can’t go out. That way I can come and, you know, socialize with the people here and have something to do when it’s hot,” added visitor Jearlene. Farmer.
One man, Roy Chambry, said he could stay home, but he misses his pool buddies.
“I have air conditioning. But I haven’t been there for three or four weeks. About a month or so. And I didn’t have anyone to fight against, so I thought I’d come and try my luck today’ today,” he said. said.
Another guest, William Whitaker, said he was grateful for the center in the summer because not everyone has air conditioning.
“It’s important that they have a place to go. Because strokes and fainting? That’s not enough,” Whitaker said.
Director Beverly Lewis said three or four people they don’t normally see came over that Wednesday afternoon to freshen up.
Hasselbring will continue to serve as a cooling center for the elderly during the summer during opening hours.
