City of South Bend rolls out Utility Assistance Program ahead of winter and water shut offs
SOUTH BEND, Ind. --Due to the pandemic, water utility services remained on even for people were behind on their bills. That's all changing next month when water shut offs will begin again for those who don't pay.
The City of South Bend is rolling out a new utility assistance program that reaches more residents than previous years.
https://southbendin.gov/supporting-south-bend/
Thursday at the Western Branch Library, dozens came in to sign up for utility and energy assistance offered by the city.
The sign-up event is one of the first in a string of similar events. Organizers said the purpose of these events is to spread the word and to bring the programs to the people.
"To get some relief on their bills could be money spent in other ways," said Lily Shroyer, an assistance lead for the city and enFocus fellow. "Money spent on food, money spent on gas…"
"We know the winter months are coming and water shutoffs are going to come again for people who are behind on their water bills," she continued. "So, we want to help as many residents as possible know about these programs to help them avoid water shutoffs."
The city also brought back the energy assistance program before the winter weather sets in.
A partnership with local organizations aims to make applying for both programs just a bit easier.
"It's been really great to see how many different community organizations there are out there that want to partner with us on this and connect with the people they know in the community and get them out to these events," Shroyer said.
One of those organizations is the nonprofit BFrank And Heal, founded by Brandy Franklin.
"I help people. That is what I do," Franklin said. "We are a nonprofit in the community that generally helps women, but we will help anyone. And so, when this opportunity was presented to me, I was very excited to be able to help people get their utilities paid so that there are no disconnects, there's no stress."
She said times are tough for many-- and she wants to help south bend residents get the support they need.
"So many people are struggling with paying their bills. A lot of people are behind. You know, things changed with COVID," she said.
"Come out. Get the assistance that you need for your utilities," she continued. "Some of them need to remove their pride and come and get help. It's here."
The application for the Utility Assistance Program can be found here, and the Energy Assistance Program application can be found here.
https://realservices.org/services/energy-assistance/
If you missed Thursday's sign-up event there are plenty more coming your way:
Thursday, November 3
4 – 7 pm Western Branch Library, 611 S. Lombardy Dr.
Hosted by BFrank and Heal
Friday, November 4
9 am – 2pm Western Branch Library, 611 S. Lombardy Dr.
Hosted by BFrank and Heal
1 – 2:30 pm Tutt Branch Library, 2223 Miami St.
Hosted by Connect 2 Be the Change
Saturday, November 5
5 – 7 pm Near Northwest Neighborhood Offices, 1013 Portage Ave.
Hosted by Near Northwest Neighborhood Association
Monday, November 7
4 – 7 pm LaSalle Branch Library, 3232 Ardmore Tr.
Hosted by the BFrank and Heal
Tuesday, November 8
1 – 5 pm CUC Business Development Center, 809 Lincolnway West
Hosted by the African American Resource and Culture Center
Wednesday, November 9
4 – 7 pm Near Northwest Neighborhood Offices, 1013 Portage Ave.
Hosted by Near Northwest Neighborhood Association
Friday, November 11
9 am – 2 pm: LaSalle Branch Library, 3232 Ardmore Tr.
Hosted by the BFrank and Heal
Sunday, November 13
9:30 am – 12:30 pm St. Adalbert School Cafeteria, 519 S. Olive St.
Hosted by St. Adalbert School
Tuesday, November 15
1 – 6 pm CUC Business Development Center, 809 Lincolnway West
Hosted by the African American Resource and Culture Center