AKRON, Ohio – Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan on Tuesday launched a charitable program to collect donations to help residents pay their water and sewer bills if they are facing economic hardship.
The program, dubbed “Akron Cares,” is funded by private donations from individuals and companies, the city said in a news release.
Horrigan issued a moratorium on all water service disconnections for Akron customers on March 12, so customers could have access to clean water for drinking, personal hygiene and household cleaning during the coronavirus pandemic. Gov. Mike DeWine issued a statewide moratorium on water shutoffs on March 31, which expires on July 10, according to Akron. Horrigan has extended the city’s moratorium until Aug. 1.
To prepare for the moratorium lifting on Aug. 1, customers who are struggling to pay their water bill – including senior citizens, low-income households and those experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 – are encouraged to contact the city to learn about extended payment plans and to apply for Akron Cares at akronohio.gov/akroncares or call 3-1-1.
This week, city employees are mailing postcards to customers who are behind on their water bills to inform them about the program. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
To be eligible, Akron residents must have a household income of less than 300% of the federal poverty level; be enrolled in a qualifying social assistance program; or be experiencing loss of income or increased expenses or medical bills due to COVID-19.
“In Akron, we know that many families already struggled to pay their water bills even before being hit with a pandemic, record high unemployment, and extreme social and economic stress,” Horrigan said. “...While the City has an obligation to collect revenue to maintain essential water and sewer projects and operations, I am simply unwilling to leave our customers in need without options or relief. This charitable program will help us work with customers to avoid shutoffs and alleviate some of the heavy burdens these families are carrying.”
Akronites experiencing financial hardship are also able to receive free services from the Financial Empowerment Center, a partnership between the city and United Way of Summit County. Services include lessons about budgets, saving, banking and credit scores. For more information, visit www.uwsummit.org/FEC or call 3-1-1.
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