H2O Help To Others Program

Emergency situations – disability, unemployment or a sudden death in the family – can leave people unable to pay critical utility bills.  A regional program now helps such people in need.  The Help to Others (H2O) Program solicits community contributions for paying household water and sanitary sewer utility bills for individuals and families experiencing a temporary financial crisis.  Established in July 1999, the program is a unique multi-agency cooperative partnership that crosses political boundaries to assist citizens in need.  

The program is administered through a cooperative effort among the water utilities, HRSD, and social service providers. The HRPDC is the coordinating agency. Administrative costs are paid for by the water utilities, HRSD and HRPDC.  Social service providers determine the individual’s/family’s eligibility.

In each locality, the utility works in partnership with a local social services provider to identify, screen, and process applicants.  To be considered for H20 Program assistance, an individual must live in the service area of the water or sewer utility, must be in danger of losing residential water service provided by the utility, and must demonstrate a personal or family crisis.  An applicant is eligible for program assistance once in any 12-month period in the amount of $250 or the balance due, whichever is less.  The applicant may be asked to assume responsibility for partial payment of the bill.

The H2O Program exemplifies regional cooperation.  Sixteen local jurisdictions have worked together to build a program that benefits blindly across jurisdictional boundaries while at the same time providing assistance to their citizens.  The success of the H2O Program also shows the regional unity of the citizens in Hampton Roads.  Individuals and families from throughout the region have stepped forward with generous donations to help their neighbors overcome a personal or family crisis, regardless of geographic location.