Water Crisis Fund: What you need to know
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- It's been nearly three weeks since Richmond's water crisis began, and while water service has been restored, many residents are still struggling financially. In response, the City of Richmond has partnered with United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg to launch the "Water Crisis Fund." “We’re talking about families and households with young children or older adults living by themselves that, you know, we're really in a bind,” said Barbara Coutosipe, President and CEO of United Way Greater Richmond and Petersburg. The fund is open to any Richmond resident, but it’s specifically focused on those already struggling financially before the crisis hit. “They’ll have an application process that someone can call or go online," Coutosipe explained. "Someone within the city will talk with them about their struggle and then make the decision on this support." Applications for the fund will open on Friday, Jan. 31. Eligible expenses include rent, mortgage, childcare, utilities, healthcare, and car payments. If you are selected, the money will go directly to billers, though amounts may vary because the fund is donation based. “We all can help someone else in little ways, in big ways, and should always be looking for how we can do that to be of service to another,” Coutosipe said. Richmond Mayor Danny Avula lead the charge, kicking off the fund with a $25,000 donation from his PAC committee. Despite the growing fund, 8News found that many residents are unaware. Out of seven people we asked, only one person had heard of it, but was unfamiliar with the details. To donate to the fund, visit the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg’s website. When applications open Friday, you can find application steps here.
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- It's been nearly three weeks since Richmond's water crisis began, and while water service has been restored, many residents are still struggling financially.
In response, the City of Richmond has partnered with United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg to launch the "Water Crisis Fund."
“We’re talking about families and households with young children or older adults living by themselves that, you know, we're really in a bind,” said Barbara Coutosipe, President and CEO of United Way Greater Richmond and Petersburg.
The fund is open to any Richmond resident, but it’s specifically focused on those already struggling financially before the crisis hit.
“They’ll have an application process that someone can call or go online," Coutosipe explained. "Someone within the city will talk with them about their struggle and then make the decision on this support."
Applications for the fund will open on Friday, Jan. 31. Eligible expenses include rent, mortgage, childcare, utilities, healthcare, and car payments. If you are selected, the money will go directly to billers, though amounts may vary because the fund is donation based.
“We all can help someone else in little ways, in big ways, and should always be looking for how we can do that to be of service to another,” Coutosipe said.
Richmond Mayor Danny Avula lead the charge, kicking off the fund with a $25,000 donation from his PAC committee. Despite the growing fund, 8News found that many residents are unaware. Out of seven people we asked, only one person had heard of it, but was unfamiliar with the details.
To donate to the fund, visit the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg’s website. When applications open Friday, you can find application steps here.
