GLCAP extends deadline for water assistance program, offering relief to families in need

Tiffin, Ohio — Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) is urging families who require assistance with their water utility expenses to take advantage of the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). The application deadline for this program has been extended until September 30, 2023.

The GLCAP-LIHWAP initiative aims to provide financial aid to households in order to prevent water utility shutoffs, reinstate water service, establish new water connections, or cover service transfer costs.

Eligibility for GLCAP-LIHWAP is open to residents of Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, and Wood counties, who have an income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines. For instance, this includes individuals with an annual income of $23,783 for a one-person household or $52,500 for a family of four.

The funding for this program has been made available through the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, via the Consolidated Appropriations Act and the American Rescue Plan Act.

GLCAP Energy Assistance Manager Joyce McCauley-Benner highlighted the positive impact of this funding, stating, “Before this funding, we were not able to assist families facing unaffordable water bills or needing help starting water service. Since the inception of the program in 2021, we have now been able to meet these needs in our communities and encourage those in need to reach out to GLCAP for help.”

To obtain further information about the program or to submit an application, interested individuals can visit www.glcap.org/waterhelp or contact GLCAP at 567-432-5046.