HEATS ON Marks 34 Years of Helping Albuquerque Residents Prepare for Winter

The City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs and U.A. Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 412 marked the 34th annual HEATS ON (Handicapped and Elderly Assistance to Service Our Neighbors) on Saturday, Oct. 17, continuing a longstanding partnership to help older adults and residents with disabilities prepare their homes for winter.

More than 100 Local 412 volunteers gathered at the union hall for breakfast before receiving their assignments and collecting supplies for the day's work. On a chilly Albuquerque morning, the volunteers set out to help bring heat to 100 homes of older adults and residents with disabilities.

First Lady Elizabeth Kistin Keller joined Senior Affairs and Local 412 representatives to recognize the skilled tradespeople donating their time and expertise. Volunteer teams headed out to participating homes to help ensure heating systems were working safely and properly as colder weather approaches.

“For 34 years, Local 412 volunteers have given their time and expertise to help older adults and residents with disabilities prepare for winter,” said First Lady Elizabeth Kistin Keller. “This is work that makes a real difference in people's homes and their daily lives. Thank you to every volunteer who continues to make HEATS ON possible.”

The Department of Senior Affairs identifies eligible participants and works with Local 412 to coordinate assistance for those most in need. HEATS ON is part of a national initiative undertaken by United Association plumbers and pipefitters unions across the country.

For more than three decades, the Albuquerque partnership has helped older adults and residents with disabilities address essential home heating needs before winter.