News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
UCHRA has launched a new program to assist those in need with water bills called the Low Income Home Water Assistance Program.
Community Services Manager Tashana Hooks said the program was made possible through a grant from the Tennessee Housing and Development Agency.
“Of course, we have the electric program already and we just have so many clients that have asked do we help with water assistance, and in the past, we haven’t,” Hooks said. “So we were so excited when they were talking about this program coming out because we know the need is huge in our area.”
The program helps families pay the cost of water and sewer services including water, wastewater, sewer, and septic waste. The one-time payment is sent directly to the water and wastewater utility company and will be credited to the applicant’s bill.
Hooks said assistance is based on household size and income. Priority assistance will be made available to households who have had their water services disconnected or are in jeopardy of water services being disconnected.
“They need to be LIHEAP eligible, and they don’t even need a past due water bill,” Hooks said. “If they have some sort of hardship, and right now a hardship would be prices of groceries going up, the price of gas.”
Hooks said they are taking applications until September 30, 2023, or until funding lasts.
