Residents in financial need across the Golden Triangle may qualify for a new water and wastewater bill-payment assistance program.
Available to residents and families who need assistance paying bills, the Mississippi Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program helps maintain access to drinking water and wastewater services. LIHWAP is available for residents who need assistance paying a current bill, have past-due water bills, had their service terminated or received a notice indicating that their service will be terminated in the next 60 days.
Columbus Light and Water General Manager Angela Verdell said the Mississippi Department of Health and Human Services, which is spearheading the program, will work with local agencies to provide the funds. Prairie Opportunity will be the point of contact for residents wanting to utilize this opportunity.
“Pretty much the way it works, if a customer is experiencing hardship, they can reach out to us first and then we will make a referral to them to Prairie Opportunity,” Verdell said. “Prairie Opportunity is the agency selected to help residents in (the Golden Triangle). They will go there, complete the application process.”
Mississippi residents who qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will also be eligible for LIHWAP. Applicants’ household income must be at or below 60 percent of the state median income to qualify for these programs — meaning for a family of four, household income cannot exceed $27,906 annually.
MDHS received $13 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to help fund this program, with the program ending in September 2023. Each person that qualifies can receive up to $1,500 of utility assistance based on household income and size.
Starkville Utilities Department General Manager Terry Kemp said his intent is making people aware of the program and pointing them in the right direction.
“This allows some of our customers who are struggling and have a need to maintain the services that we provide and pay for them,” Kemp said. “If they do it correctly through this application, it can actually help avoid unnecessary due bills and cutoffs.”
Verdell said CLW will not disconnect water systems of residents who have begun the application process for LIHWAP. Once the customer is approved, CLW will be reimbursed for the services. She said customers can be on the lookout on how to begin the program in their upcoming monthly bill.
“I think it will truly help,” Verdell said. “People fall on hard times. Water is a necessity. People have to have it. I think just knowing that there is some place you can go for assistance can be a relief.”
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