Water Assistance continues at Lifeline

Program for low-income households runs through Sept. 30, agency reports

The Ohio Department of Development continues to collaborate with Lifeline, Inc. to help income-eligible Lake County residents with water and wastewater assistance, officials with the community action agency recently announced.

The temporary federal Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program serves to provide residents aid in paying water and wastewater bills if they are past due or disconnected.

The program has been extended to run through Sept. 30, noted Lifeline Executive Director Carrie Dotson.

“For years we have seen a need for assistance with water bills,” she said. “We help so many people each year with their heating and cooling costs through our HEAP programs, but there’s always been a gap for water, which is just as essential as heating and cooling.

“We’re really excited this program has been extended to be able to more completely help our residents.”

Since the program launched in mid-February 2022, 257 Lake County households have been approved.

Moreover, just over $44,500 in program funds have been spent.

To apply for the program, clients are required to contact Lifeline.

All application intake will be scheduled by appointment only and remain in person.

No walk-in sessions will be held.

In addition, same-day appointments will be added daily for customers who are disconnected.

Residents meeting the guidelines are encouraged to call 1-440-350-9160.

Clients need to bring copies of the following documents to their appointments:

• Copies of their most recent water/wastewater bills

• A list of all household members, proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each household member, along with social security cards

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members

• Proof of disability (if applicable)

To schedule an appointment call, 1-440-381-8230 or visit app.capappointments.com/.

Lifeline is located at 8 N. State St., Suite 300, in Painesville.