Gastonia offering to help pay utility bills for those affected by COVID

Gastonia residents having trouble paying their bills can receive up to $265 per month for six consecutive months for utility bills through the city's utilities assistance program.

The program assists with water, sewer, electric and gas utility bills to individuals and families suffering economic loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act gave the city $100,000 to fund the program. The city will pay United Way of Gaston County $10,000 to administer the program.

The maximum assistance for each bill, per month, consists of $78 for water/sewer, $112 for electricity and $75 for natural gas. Those who receive help do not have to pay the money back.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals and families have lost so much, including loved ones, jobs, income, and household stability,” said Tyler Davis, the grant manager for the city’s community services department. “These funds can help offer some hope and support to those in need during these difficult times.”

The public can apply for assistance online at: https://gastonianc.seamlessdocs.com/f/utilityassistance

Residents can only apply once for the assistance for six consecutive months of billing.

Requirements for applying include completing online application, income verification (low-to-moderate income status), must be resident of Gastonia and must have been financially impacted due to loss of income during COVID-19 pandemic.

The goal is to help 150 individuals, and, or families, according to the city.

For more information about this program, contact Rita Davis, Special Projects Coordinator, of United Way of Gaston County via email at Rdavis@unitedwaygaston.org or 704-864-4554 ext. 104.

“We believe in the power of partnerships and collaboration and we are happy to be able to assist the city of Gastonia in distributing these funds to qualifying residents impacted by COVID. It fits our mission to improve lives,” says Linda Slade, president of United Way.

Reach Janiya Winchester at (704)-869-1842 or jwinchester@gannett.com