Local organization launches Water Payment Assistance Program in Santa Barbara County

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - As the cost of living continues to rise across Santa Barbara county, so are household bills.
"We’re seeing families struggling paying utility bills … we’re seeing seniors 65 and over struggling paying those bills," said CEO Patricia Keelean of CommUnify.

Water bills are also a challenge.

So the nonprofit organization CommUnify is launching a new water assistance program to help low income families.

"So we want to provide this assistance to help them remain economically stable," said Keelean.

"Families are now forced to make decisions between buying grocers or keeping their basic utilities on for their families," said community services director Kemba Lawrence of CommUnify.

Communify is encouraging Santa Barbara county residents to apply for water assistance as soon as possible. 

"We are encouraging all counties to participate but we are the only one offering this service in Santa Barbara County," said Lawrence.

The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program offers a one-time payment for your wastewater bill.

The amount of assistance for each resident is varied.

"I'm super excited because I’m hoping this is going to be an additional support that our families and and seniors need to remain stable … and happy and healthy in their own homes," said Keelean.

The amount of assistance for each resident depends on the past due balance and current charges of the household’s residential water and wastewater bills.

Households whose utility payments are included in their rent may also be eligible for LIHWAP.

Program participation is limited to households receiving services from water and wastewater providers enrolled in the LIHWAP partnership.

In order to qualify you must be 18 years or older, live in Santa Barbara County, and meet income eligibility guidelines.

Local water and wastewater district must be an enrolled partner.

You must also be able to provide all documents requested in the LIHWAP Water Assistance Application. 

Households whose utility payments are included in their rent may also be eligible for benefit assistance.

Households can request to complete a LIHWAP screening form by dialing 2-1-1 or by applying online.