The City of Sanford implemented the Sanford Community Assistance & Relief Emergency Support program in 2017 to provide temporary assistance for residents in Lee County who are struggling to pay their water bills.
Called “Sanford CARES,” the program allows utility customers to round up their monthly bill to the nearest dollar, make a flat monthly contribution, or a one-time contribution of any amount.
The contributions are added to an emergency relief fund administered by Johnston-Lee-Harnett Community Action, a private non-profit agency that helps families with housing, crisis intervention, utility bill assistance, and more.
“Our community is known for giving back,” points out Mayor Chet Mann. “The Sanford CARES program offers residents an easy way to help each other, especially during these hard times,” he says.
Since inception, the Sanford CARES fund has provided water and sewer bill assistance for 159 households, totaling $10,077. With the coronavirus pandemic, the need for emergency relief is expected to grow exponentially.
“We are grateful for our utility customers who have already chosen to round up their monthly bills to assist others in their time of need,” says Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Byron Buckels. “We hope more residents will choose to let their change make a change in someone else’s life,” he notes.
To contribute to the program, contact our Customer Service department at 919-775-8215 or visit www.sanfordnc.net/sanfordcares.
Residents who need Sanford CARES assistance should contact Johnston-Lee-Harnett Community Action at 919-776-0746 or visit their office, located at 225 S. Steele Street in Sanford. The process is easy and confidential.
For more information about the program or contribution options, contact Customer Service at waterdept@sanfordnc.net or call 919-775-8215. Full information about the program is available here.