[Greenbuilding] Need some ideas for AC in an old house

[Bobbi Chukran]

Hi guys,

I'm hoping some of you have some ideas for me.  My mother (who will 
turn 75 on Mother's Day!) lives in an older (50+ years old) house in 
Texarkana, ARK.  The central air conditioner apparently needs 
replacing, the roof needs replacing, and the house is a mess in 
general.

Does anybody know of any state programs, perhaps, for low income 
elderly residents for replacing AC systems and such?

My sister and I are going broke trying to keep our mother's house 
intact (not to mention our own).  It's in disrepair overall, but we 
figured with summer coming the roof and AC are priorities.

Any ideas?  Other alternatives to central AC?  I suggested 
high-efficiency window units but my sister nixed the idea because of 
the layout of the house.

Thanks.

bobbi c.