Water assistance program expands
Buying food or paying the water bill.
There are many reasons why a resident might be faced with this kind of decision, and now because of recent changes to the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP), households struggling to pay water bills can get the help they need.
“This is a wonderful program that provides real financial help to those who need assistance paying for their water and sewer bills. I commend the GLWA board for approving these changes, which are good news for Macomb County residents and a feel good story for the holidays in part because more people will be able to qualify. I encourage eligible residents to apply,” Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller said.
Now more people can enroll in the program that assists participants financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The exception allows those enrolled in WRAP, who have been unable to make partial monthly payments on time due to issues related to COVID-19, to remain in the program and maintain eligibility to continue receiving monthly bill credits and arrearage payments through Dec. 31, 2020.
The GLWA board also recently approved changing the income eligibility under WRAP. Previously, households earning up to 150% percent of the federal poverty level could qualify. Now, households can earn up to twice the poverty level and still receive assistance in paying their water and sewer bills. For example, a family of four
with up to $52,400 in combined income now qualifies to participate. Prior to the changes those above a $36,450 income level were ineligible.
Eligible residents in Macomb County can apply for the program by calling Macomb Community Action, which administers the program locally, at 586-4696999.
“Across our county and region there is a continued need to assist so many who have been negatively impacted by these unprecedented times,” Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “The WRAP program is a testament to our region’s commitment to develop community-driven solutions to the challenges we collectively face.”
Those in the program will get help in paying current and past-due water bills. Eligible customers receive a $25 monthly credit toward current water bills with any arrearage suspended for 1224 months. Participants are also eligible to receive a bill credit of up to $700 toward any past due amounts.
The initiative by the GLWA board to support residents during this difficult time also includes a move to increase conservation and plumbing repair spending per eligible household
from $1,000 to an average of $1,500 — with a cap of $2,000 — per customer. For the first time since the program’s inception, eligible rental households are now able to take advantage of conservation and plumbing repairs offered through WRAP to help reduce their water consumption, if the landlord agrees not to increase rent for 12 months.
Additional program changes to further assist residents are expected in the next six months.
“Macomb County government has an extraordinary commitment to care for our residents, whether they are facing challenges large or small. The WRAP program is an important part of the comprehensive support that the county offers through Macomb Community Action,” said Ernest Cawvey, who is the director of Macomb Community Action. “If you are a resident who is behind on their bills, or knows of someone else who is, we encourage you to reach out to us and get connected with the wide range of services that we provide.”
GLWA’s budgeted WRAP funding for fiscal year 2021 is $6.1 million. From March 2016 to June 30, 2020, $16.9 million in total GLWA funding has been committed to enrolled communities throughout southeastern Michigan through WRAP.
WRAP has the potential to serve more than 100 communities within the GLWA service area, but to assist qualified households; each community must optin to the program and sign a memorandum of understanding with Wayne Metro.
“I’m very excited and supportive about a program in which those residents most in need will be given immediate help during a time of great need and great stress,” Warren Mayor Jim Fouts said. “No one should be denied a basic necessity of water. This program will assure that a dire situation of shut offs can now be permanently shut down.”
Since its inception in March 2016, 77 of GLWA’s member communities have opted-in to WRAP, a first-ofits-kind program in Michigan and one of few sustainable assistance plans in the country. More than 21,000 households across GLWA’s service area are enrolled in the program, with more than 14,000 participants coming from Detroit. Through June 30, 2020, almost 3,300 homes with high water usage have received a home water audit, and 61% have received professional plumbing repairs after their audit.
“I’d like to thank my chief deputy in the Macomb County Public Works Office, Brian Baker — who is Macomb County’s representative on the GLWA board — for his leadership on this issue,” Miller said.
To apply for the program in Macomb County call the Macomb Community Action at 586-469-6999. Outside Macomb County, WRAP is administered by Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency. People residing outside Macomb should call 313-386-9727.
For more information visit waynemetro.org/wrap