TUCSON, Ariz. — "When the pandemic hit, I feel like we all were trying to figure out how to function," said Erina Delic with the Pima County Community Action Agency.
Fast forward ten months, and that is exactly what Pima County and the City of Tucson are trying to help residents do now.
"Available funding made us think how we can best serve Pima County," said Delic.
Funding is going to households that are struggling to pay utility bills. This includes water, gas, electric and garbage.
"Anyone who has experienced loss of income and is income eligible, can apply for discounts. They can be eligible somewhere between a 25%, 50% or 75% discount off their bill," said Delic.
Additionally, earlier in 2020, the City of Tucson decided to postpone utility shutoffs for people who couldn't pay their bills. That time is running out. Tucson City Council decided to extend their moratorium on utility shutoffs until the end of January 2021.
"We just want to help people get through these tough times, said Fernando Molina with Tucson Water.
Molina said around 17,000 customers have benefited from the City of Tucson's moratorium. Those residents have not paid their bills, but their water remains on.
"People have been appreciative of this. It's been really hard financially for a lot of people. Our intent is to get people to start thinking about a payment requirement," said Molina.
If that can't be done on their own, the City of Tucson and Pima County assistance program would be an option to look into.
"The Mayor and City Council have provided some funding to make sure we can get people to start taking care of that obligation," said Molina.
To apply for utility assistance, click here.