OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. \u2013 More and more residents across Oakland County are struggling to keep up with their water bills \u2014 and help is available.<\/p>\n
The United Way of Southeast Michigan administers a water bill assistance program called WRAP, which is available to residents in Southfield and many other Oakland County communities. <\/p>\n
The program exists with the help of funding through the Great Lakes Water Authority.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re seeing an unprecedented number of people who are seeking assistance right now,\u201d said Sean Scane, director of Utility Services for United Way.<\/p>\n
The program offers financial relief for households that have fallen behind on their water bills. Approved applicants can receive up to $1,200 in arrears payments.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hear this every day from the people who are calling for assistance,\u201d Scane said. \u201cBut we find that people have fallen behind significantly on their bills.\u201d<\/p>\n
Demand for assistance surges<\/p>\n
In a typical year, the program helps between 800 and 900 households. This year, however, that number has climbed to 1,100 households in Oakland County alone.<\/p>\n
Scane says rising costs across the board are putting families in a tough spot.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think right now it\u2019s a really difficult time for families here in southeastern Michigan \u2014 probably across the United States,\u201d he said. \u201cI think, you know, with prices increasing just across the board \u2014 gas prices, utility prices, whatever it is \u2014 we\u2019re really seeing families that are, you know, they\u2019re struggling to balance their budget and struggling to figure out how they\u2019re gonna pay their bills.\u201d<\/p>\n
Income limits, how to apply<\/p>\n
The WRAP program does have income limits. For a family of four, the monthly household income cannot exceed $8,000. For a single-person household, the monthly income limit is $3,900.<\/p>\n
Even if it may not seem like you qualify, Scane encourages residents to reach out. Funds are still available despite the higher-than-usual demand.<\/p>\n