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Non-profit helping eligible HWU customers with water bills

Non-profit helping eligible HWU customers with water bills

Yahoo27-02-2025

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Some Henderson Water Utility (HWU) customers may be able to get some help paying their bills thanks to a new partnership with the city and the Henderson Christian Community Outreach (HCCO). This comes just weeks after some customers were left footing the bill of miscalculated rates due to a meter reading issue. The partnership between HWU, the City of Henderson and the Christian Community Outreach establishes a $50,000 water utility assistance fund.
'We like a good challenge, this may be it,' says HCCO Executive Director Susan Smith. The non-profit was approached in early February by the city about facilitating the funds. The city and HWU are contributing $25,000 each. The assistance fund was made official during a February 25 City Commission meeting.
'Each family or household is going to be eligible for up to $200 to help them with any issues,' says Henderson Mayor Brad Staton. 'Not just the recent water meter issues, but any issues that might have caused them trouble to be able to pay their water bills.'
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Qualifying candidates must be HWU customers and fall at or below the federal poverty line. Smith says the goal is to help 250 families, but high demand could deplete the fund sooner rather than later.
'Now, what that may translate into is that we don't, we go way over 250 people,' explains Smith. 'So it's more first come, first served than it is guaranteeing that we're going to help with $200 over the next year.' Smith goes on to say, 'This will be a month-to-month thing and, again, if we have 500 people show up, then the funding is going to go a lot faster than meeting that $200 limit.'
Residents can apply through the HCCO starting Monday March 3. Smith admits she isn't sure what to expect, but her and her non-profit will take this challenge in stride. 'It's an honor to be doing this,' says Smith. 'To partner with the city and be a part of just another great thing that's going on in Henderson is awesome.'
Smith says updates could be provided through their Facebook page, found here. You can find more details about the HCCO by visiting their website.
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