ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Since the first of June, the Cool Down St. Louis charity has been swamped with calls for assistance from low-income elderly and disabled residents of the region.

Officials say they’ve fielded 21,000 requests for help paying utility bills, and they’ve been able to assist about 9,600 applicants.

Cool Down volunteers have installed nearly 900 air conditioners in homes.

With the weather predicted to heat up again this week, the charity expects to get more calls for help.

To apply for Cool Down St. Louis help, call 314-241-7668 or visit www.cooldownstlouis.org .

People may also call  211 from a landline phone to reach a United Way hotline.