Jewell Jones, Oak Park

Home has always been a safe haven for my family. Open arms with an encouraging word, listening ear and a hearty meal. As a 62-year-old mother of 3 living on a fixed income, the cost of necessities has now become challenging. The ability to whip up a quick meal or wash a load of clothes has practically ceased! There is no extra money because needs simply supersede wants.

The rising cost of utilities and home maintenance can be stressful. For me, a migraine sufferer, it became the fuel that ignited my pain. Credit debt quickly ensued as I began paying Peter, Paul, Mary and John! Barely making it had turned into never making it. Finances had become a nightmare. However, I desperately needed to pay my utilities, especially my water bill. I needed help!

Water is an essential that everyone needs: yet the rising cost can create a financial burden for many moderate or low-income families. A toilet that runs, a dripping faucet, or a pipe that leaks can cause a once-maintainable water bill to soar. Do you fix it yourself, call a handyman or endure the cost of a professional plumber? I say call the Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP).

WRAP, is an amazing program that faithfully partners with families to assist in water payments and repairs. I truly appreciate this program. It has made a tremendous difference in my life. My water bill averages $150.00 per month! Each month WRAP pays a large portion of my bill directly to the water company. I pay a set monthly amount that is a mere fraction of my total bill.

The WRAP program is an amazing program that leads to the betterment of families. I learned of the WRAP program through United Way for Southeastern Michigan. They saw my needs and helped me accomplish the goal of maintaining my home. If you need assistance with your water bill, WRAP can help! There is no greater security than being able to financially take care of home.