SAN JOSE — Valley Water announced the addition of $1 million to the Low-Income Residential Water Rate Assistance Program (WRAP). The funds enable Valley Water’s partner Sacred Heart Community Service to continue providing this critical service to low-income households in Santa Clara County.
Valley Water’s Board of Directors developed WRAP in October 2021 to help low-income households impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic pay their water bill. With the additional $1 million, Valley Water has now supplied Sacred Heart with a total of $2 million to distribute through WRAP.
“It’s important to give back to your community, especially during the holidays,” said John L. Varela, Valley Water Chair Pro Tem. “With the additional money for this program, our partner Sacred Heart is able to continue helping Santa Clara County residents throughout the most wonderful time of the year.”
Due to remote work requirements, distance learning and past shelter-in-place orders caused by the pandemic, people experienced more time in their homes leading to higher gas, electric and water bills. Many low-income households had to choose between paying for food, rent, healthcare, or utilities. Together, Valley Water and Sacred Heart are working to prevent shutoffs and reconnection fees related to non-payment.
“Everyone doing their part to make a difference in our community is really important,” said Poncho Guevara, Sacred Heart Executive Director. “When we see organizations like Valley Water stepping up to make sure that needs of our community are met it gives us a lot of encouragement that people are going to have some of the things they need this holiday season.”