The State of Iowa has been awarded more than $10,000,000 in federal funding to establish a new water assistance effort for households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) will be administered by the Iowa Department of Human Rights (DHR) and the 16 community action agencies in the state. Eligibility requirements mirror those for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) with recipient incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Applicants need to show paying their water or sewer bills has presented a burden and recipients must qualify for federal benefits. LIHWAP is still in the process of being implemented, but the application period is expected to open Oct. 1. The program runs through Sept. 30, 2023 or until funds are exhausted, whichever occurs first. Sac, Calhoun, Carroll, Greene, Audubon and Guthrie Counties are served by New Opportunities, Inc. while LIHWAP in Crawford County will be managed by West Central Community Action. For more information about LIHWAP or other available assistance programs, reach out to your local community action agency using the contact details included below.
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New Opportunities: 712-792-9266
West Central community Action: 712-755-5135