The Northwestern Water and Sewer District has received $20,000 in grant funding from the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation to support the Pay It Forward Program. The grant will provide $5,000 per year over the next four years.
The district’s Pay It Forward Program is a partnership with the Salvation Army. The program is designed to assist homeowners pay their water and sewer bills during times of financial hardship, with a focus on helping community members recover from crisis.
To fund the program, Pay It Forward uses generous donations from customers and other community members to assist with water and sewer bills during financial emergencies. These donations are forwarded to the Salvation Army to assist people struggling to pay the cost of keeping their utilities on.
The John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation Award is the most significant contribution to the Pay It Forward program to date.
“We are deeply grateful for the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation’s support, which is a testament to the power of community and the impact of collective generosity. This award will enable us to continue supporting our customers facing financial difficulties, making a real difference in their lives,” said Jerry Greiner, district president.
If you need assistance or to give to the Pay It Forward Program, visit www.nwwsd.org/payitforward/ or call 419-354-9090 Option 2.
The City of Bowling Green has a similar pay it forward program called Muni-Pal, also in cooperation with the Salvation Army to help local citizens. When people donate to Muni-Pal, the money goes directly to the Salvation Army office in Bowling Green to help local citizens in need of assistance to pay their utility bill. The money does not leave Bowling Green and is used solely to help Bowling Green customers. People can donate a one time contribution or an additional charge can be placed on their monthly bill.
To participate in the Muni-Pal program, or for more information, bring a Muni-Pal form (PDF) to the city utility business office, submit the online Muni-Pal form, or call 419-354-6252.
