PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — When it’s too hot to even be on the beach, adequate air conditioning could be a matter of life or death, and senior citizens, in particular, are at risk.

“A lot of older people need help in the summer months,” said Florence Hines, who turns 91 July 4 and lives in the historically Black neighborhood of Cavalier Manor. “Some people [homeowners] might not get it in their mind. You know, all people have a budget that they go by.”

Urgency has escalated due to President Trump’s crackdown on so-called waste, fraud and abuse. According to multiple reports, the Department of Health and Human Services is holding about $378 million of what’s left from the $4.1 billon authorized by Congress to help low-income families cool their homes as part of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, wrote to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy to demand the release of the money.

“These funds would be used immediately to help some of the nation’s most vulnerable households maintain access to electric and gas service … and to allow states to begin planning their summer cooling programs,” Wolfe wrote.

Barry Boone’s income is fixed, but not the bill in his all-electric Cape Cod home that was built in the 1930s.

“When we were on an assistance program, they required us to pay $900,” said Boone, a retired city of Portsmouth worker. “And there’s a lot of people out here who need assistance.”

The funding freeze does not have a direct effect on Dominion Energy’s EnergyShare Program, according to Dominion spokesperson Cherise M. Newsome.

The current pause on federal funding does not directly affect the EnergyShare program. EnergyShare is primarily funded by Dominion Energy shareholders, with additional donations from our customers and employees.

Some of our partners do rely on federal funding, however, which could indirectly impact the way they administer the program in the community. While there may be indirect impacts to how the program is administered, our commitment to being a trusted resource remains unchanged.

We will continue monitoring the situation and adapt as needed to ensure the program continues to serve our customers in need.

— Cherise M. Newsome, Dominion Energy senior communications specialist, media relations 

10 On Your Side reached out to Health and Human Services for a comment. If there is a response, this story will be updated.