NEWARK, NJ - City residents who are having a hard time paying their water bills due to an unforeseen situation will be able to apply for assistance through a new pilot program.

NJ SHARES, a nonprofit that offers energy and utility assistance for households, received a $10,000 donation from an anonymous, private donor for the pilot program. The donor wanted his or her contribution to go towards Newark residents, said NJ SHARES Director of Client Operations Kimberly Warrick.

“These type of programs might help a family that might have to make a choice between paying a water bill or electric bill,” Warrick said, adding that, “It helps keep the utilities on and that’s our goal. Especially when you’re going into winter months like this, it becomes a safety issue when utilities are shut off.”

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NJ SHARES works with human service agencies, faith-based organizations and legislative offices to help pay utility bills for families that are not eligible for other programs and are going through tough situations, like a job loss or illness.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka announced the water program today and touted the city’s partnership with NJ SHARES.

“Newark has many families who are in crisis and cannot pay their water bills during their time of trial,” Baraka said in a statement. “We want to provide these families with love and support, and partnering with NJ SHARES enables us to continue to provide them with vital water supplies without placing a greater financial burden on our taxpayers. These are the kinds of partnerships we want to create to build a stronger Newark.”

The nonprofit provides other water bills assistance programs to New Jersey residents who are American Water and SUEZ customers. Verizon also partnered with the organization to provide reduced-rate internet to low-income residents.

City residents may obtain an application for the pilot program by emailing NJ SHARES at publicbackup@njshares.org and including “Newark water assistance” in the subject line. An application may also be obtained by calling NJSHARES at (609) 883-1626 or toll-free at (866) 657-4273.





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