STATUS: Open, but assistance is subject to eligibility, available funding, and application volume.

SERVICE AREA: Michigan and Maryland The Detroit program serves eligible Detroit residents.

CLIENTS SERVED: Michigan households needing help with their water bills, including homeowners and renters. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and provide documentation. Eligibility is determined through an application review.

DESCRIPTION: The Human Utility (formerly Detroit Water Project) provides financial assistance toward water bills for households at risk of water shutoff or struggling to afford their water service. The organization pays approved assistance directly to the water utility rather than giving the money to the applicant. The Human Utility does not provide plumbing repairs. If a water bill is high because of a leak, the applicant may still qualify, but they must provide evidence that the leak has been repaired.

SERVICES & PROGRAMS:

• Water Bill Assistance: Provides partial assistance toward eligible water bills. The organization currently will not accept applications when the water balance is $975 or more. Assistance is not guaranteed, and the amount provided may be only part of the outstanding balance.
• Water Shutoff Assistance: Assistance is intended to help households prevent a shutoff or restore water service. Applicants can indicate whether they currently have running water or have received a shutoff notice.
• Repeat Assistance: Assistance is generally limited to once every 18 months, although exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

HOW TO APPLY:

• Water Bill Assistance: Complete the online assistance application. Applicants must provide information about their household, water account, income/employment or disability, and circumstances. Required documentation may include a lease or deed and government-issued ID. Applicants generally receive a decision within 15 business days, although high demand can cause delays. If approved, The Human Utility pays the water company directly, generally within a week.
• Documentation: Applicants can send required documentation by text to 313-241-9725, fax to 313-724-3774, or email it to docs@humanutility.org