Neighbors Helping Neighbors

A donation to PWSA’s Hardship Grant Program will help neighbors struggling to pay for essential water services
A woman embracing her child

Pittsburgh is a city rich with the traditions of community, friendliness, and neighborliness, especially during the holiday season. From coat, sweater, and toy drives to nursing home visits and more, our city is one that is full of helpers, with many of us finding a way to support our neighbors and our community.

No one should have to choose between paying their water bill and other essential expenses. Unfortunately, however, there are customers that find themselves in that position.

PWSA is proud to announce an additional way Pittsburghers can help support their neighbors: by donating to our Hardship Grant Program, your tax-deductible contribution will directly benefit local families who are struggling to pay for essential water services.

Since 2018, the Hardship Grant Program has helped over 850 income-eligible households maintain essential water services. We’ve distributed over $200,000 through the program and award an average household grant of $229.

Your donation to the Hardship Grant Program will be distributed in the form of financial aid to our income-eligible customers receiving water and sewer services. Grants are dispersed on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible families with a gross household income that is at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, meaning a family of four making $41,625 qualifies for assistance. Households can apply for a grant up to $300 every 12 months.

The Hardship Grant Program is administered by Dollar Energy Fund. You can donate online at www.dollarenergy.org/donations/pwsa, by calling 412-431-2800, or by mailing a check to: Dollar Energy Fund, Inc., PO Box 42329, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. Please indicate that your donation is to be directed to the Hardship Grant Program.

PWSA administers a variety of other Customer Assistance Programs to income-qualified residential customers, including the Bill Discount Program and Winter Shut Off Moratorium. For more information or to apply, please visit our Customer Assistance Program website.

The past few years have certainly underscored how important it is to lend a helping hand to those in need. This holiday season, PWSA hopes you will consider donating to the Hardship Grant Program and helping a neighbor. For more information about the Hardship Grant Program, please visit our website.