Enrichment Services Program, Inc., (ESP) is proud to announce a new program, Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), in partnership with Columbus Water Works. LIHWAP is a federally funded program created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide financial relief on water bills for eligible residents. Households in Columbus, GA, can receive up to $300 in water assistance, including arrearage dues, past-due obligations, and current bills.
“Now, we have an additional resource to assist families until they are able to attain self-sufficiency,” says Belva Dorsey, Chief Executive Officer of ESP. “Partnerships are the foundation of our mission, and I am so excited that we are strengthening our mission of eliminating poverty through this new service with Columbus Water Works.”
Steve Davis, President of Columbus Water Works, also speaks to the importance of the partnership, “we are very excited to be able to join Enrichment Services Program to provide additional assistance for our customers.”
The amount of assistance is determined by household size, income, and composition. Payments will be issued directly to the water account through Columbus Water Works. The other basic eligibility requirements are:
- Have a total gross income at or below 60% of the State Median Income Guidelines for Georgia
- Be responsible for paying the cost of water for the household or be able to verify a water burden
“With the addition of the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program, ESP is better equipped to comprehensively help families keep running water in their household and ensure the continuity of their basic needs,” says Jamie Thomas, Director of Community Services.
Funds are administered on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are exhausted. Appointments can be made by visiting EnrichmentServicesProgram.org. Currently, appointments are only available for residents residing in Columbus, GA.