Kirstin Davis, Communications Manager, 509.625.7773
Monday, August 26, 2024 at 3:36 p.m.
In 2013, City of Spokane began a program to support households who qualify with one-time emergency financial assistance to help pay for their City utility bills, which includes charges for water, wastewater, stormwater, and garbage collection.
Since the COVID19 Pandemic, the City has disbursed just over $420,000 to almost 3,000 qualifying low income residential households. Households can receive $146 one time per year to help bridge the gap when families need it most. Why $146? Because that is the average monthly residential utility bill amount.
The UHelp program is funded through donations from utility bill customers or the public with a dollar-for-dollar match provided by a designated Public Works fund of up to $50,000 each year. To continue to serve the need moving forward, more donations are needed.
When COVID-19 dramatically disrupted City of Spokane residents and businesses, the City was required to keep water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste collection services operating even for customers who were not able to pay. UHelp funds were depleted and in 2021 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Washington State Department of Commerce funds were used to assist customers. By January of 2023, 4,400 City of Spokane utility customers had received $5.1 million in relief funding to help get them caught up on past-due bills. Many of those who received assistance had not accessed the program prior to the pandemic.
By including an extra $1, $5, $10, or more on your monthly utility payment, you can help qualified households pay a portion of their City water, sewer, stormwater, and garbage services.
For more information visit the UHelp Program page.
