Just three months after launching the Hardship Assistance Program, a vital initiative to help residents facing temporary financial hardships keep up with their water bills, Oakland County is taking the next big step: expanding the program with a focus on public and private donations.
Since its unveiling in May, the Hardship Assistance Program—geared for people whose income exceeds eligibility for other funding available for lower-income households—has enrolled 18 households and disbursed nearly $20,000 in payments to residents through the end of July. The program, administered by the United Way for Southeastern Michigan in partnership with the Oakland County office of the Water Resources Commissioner, was initially funded with $300,000 from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) – Local Fiscal Recovery Funds allocated by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners.
“The initial investment provided the necessary startup funds and the response has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash. “In Oakland County, we believe in neighbors helping neighbors through rough patches, and that’s the premise of this program.”
To ensure the program's sustainability beyond the initial ARPA funding, the Oakland County initiative is seeking donations from individuals, philanthropic organizations, and public entities. The funds will continue to provide crucial support to residents who are temporarily unable to afford their water bills, prevent water shutoffs, and address plumbing issues that could lead to increased usage and costs.
“It took just 90 days to show the value of this program, and now we have the data to present to potential donors, demonstrating how their contributions can make a meaningful impact in our community,” said Dr. Darienne Driver Hudson, CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan.
As of the latest report, the program has received 140 applications, with many still pending due to required documentation. The majority of approvals have come from municipalities like Oak Park, Southfield, and Troy, where residents have expressed gratitude for the expanded access to water assistance.
The expansion effort is crucial as more households in Oakland County face financial strains that put them at risk of losing access to essential water services. Approximately 8% of households in the county live at or below the federal poverty line, and another 22% fall within the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) standards, making them vulnerable to financial crises but not always eligible for assistance designed for families with lower incomes.
“We are committed to ensuring every Oakland County household has affordable drinking water and that a temporary financial hardship doesn’t leave any resident without that basic necessity,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “We are grateful for Commissioner Nash’s work to ensure that this program continues through the generosity of Oakland County residents, businesses and others who are able to help.”
The Hardship Assistance Program continues to be available to all Oakland County residents using municipal water and/or sewer services. Benefits are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, with an initial household cap of $2,000. Assistance can include plumbing repairs to address water loss, bill assistance for up to three months and eliminating past-due balances.
Oakland County is calling on the community—individuals, businesses, and philanthropic organizations—to contribute to this vital program. By donating, you can help ensure that no resident is left without access to clean and safe water due to temporary financial setbacks.
To learn more about the program or to make a donation, visit oakgov.com/affordability.
Since its unveiling in May, the Hardship Assistance Program—geared for people whose income exceeds eligibility for other funding available for lower-income households—has enrolled 18 households and disbursed nearly $20,000 in payments to residents through the end of July. The program, administered by the United Way for Southeastern Michigan in partnership with the Oakland County office of the Water Resources Commissioner, was initially funded with $300,000 from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) – Local Fiscal Recovery Funds allocated by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners.
“The initial investment provided the necessary startup funds and the response has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash. “In Oakland County, we believe in neighbors helping neighbors through rough patches, and that’s the premise of this program.”
To ensure the program's sustainability beyond the initial ARPA funding, the Oakland County initiative is seeking donations from individuals, philanthropic organizations, and public entities. The funds will continue to provide crucial support to residents who are temporarily unable to afford their water bills, prevent water shutoffs, and address plumbing issues that could lead to increased usage and costs.
“It took just 90 days to show the value of this program, and now we have the data to present to potential donors, demonstrating how their contributions can make a meaningful impact in our community,” said Dr. Darienne Driver Hudson, CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan.
As of the latest report, the program has received 140 applications, with many still pending due to required documentation. The majority of approvals have come from municipalities like Oak Park, Southfield, and Troy, where residents have expressed gratitude for the expanded access to water assistance.
The expansion effort is crucial as more households in Oakland County face financial strains that put them at risk of losing access to essential water services. Approximately 8% of households in the county live at or below the federal poverty line, and another 22% fall within the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) standards, making them vulnerable to financial crises but not always eligible for assistance designed for families with lower incomes.
“We are committed to ensuring every Oakland County household has affordable drinking water and that a temporary financial hardship doesn’t leave any resident without that basic necessity,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “We are grateful for Commissioner Nash’s work to ensure that this program continues through the generosity of Oakland County residents, businesses and others who are able to help.”
The Hardship Assistance Program continues to be available to all Oakland County residents using municipal water and/or sewer services. Benefits are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, with an initial household cap of $2,000. Assistance can include plumbing repairs to address water loss, bill assistance for up to three months and eliminating past-due balances.
Oakland County is calling on the community—individuals, businesses, and philanthropic organizations—to contribute to this vital program. By donating, you can help ensure that no resident is left without access to clean and safe water due to temporary financial setbacks.
To learn more about the program or to make a donation, visit oakgov.com/affordability.
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