There are always those who have had difficulties making ends meet due to their financial circumstances. In the current economic climate there are a growing number of people who count themselves among the struggling.
Since 1988, the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority’s Project EUAP (Escambia Utility Assisstance Program) has been providing emergency assistance to families that are having trouble affording the cost of water, wastewater or sanitation services. The program is funded through donations made by ECUA customers.
“Over the last five years, we’ve seen a dramatic drop-off in contributions,†said the ECUA’s Jim Roberts.
Currently, the utility company sees contributions from 1,497 customers. A few years ago it was in the 2500-range. There are approximately 90,000 ECUA customers.
Project EUAP offers assistance to the elderly, the disabled, crisis victims and those enduring financial hardships due to medical emergency or other issues. The program is administered by the Community Action Program, Escambia County Council on Aging and the Salvation Army.
Contributions may be made on a monthly, annual or one-time basis, and may be collected via a customer’s ECUA bill. For more information, or to contribute, call (850)476-0480.