Inflation numbers impact everything Americans pay for, from groceries to luxuries and even utility services. While bills for things such as water and sewer might not cost as much as other necessities, every dollar saved can make a difference for families and individuals. That is why some cities throughout the country have instituted programs to aid citizens with these expenses.

Fort Smith, the third-largest city in Arkansas, has a long history of providing aid to its residents through Project Concern, a water utility assistance program based on federal poverty guidelines. The earliest reference Josh Buchfink could find to Project Concern dated back to 1983, long predating his time as public relations manager for the city.

Those who qualify receive 50% off their water and sewer costs and 25% off solid waste services. Beginning Aug. 1 even more residents qualified for the program, as the city amended the guidelines from 165% to 200% of the federal poverty level. “We wanted to increase eligibility to the program,” Buchfink acknowledged.

Although Project Concern has been around for decades, the city only began a push for awareness of it in 2021. Sewer rates increased at that time due to needed fixes to the sewer system, and water rates also increased to cover the rising cost of maintenance and operations. Arkansas Act 605 of the same year required cities to complete water rate studies every five years, and many communities have increased rates because of the findings from these studies.

“We put those out in tandem,” Buchfink explained, so that when the increase went into effect, it wouldn’t be detrimental to those within the federal poverty guidelines.

Funding for Project Concern comes directly out of the city budget and at no cost to residents. Even the application process is not difficult, although it does require proof of income for each member of the household who receives any kind of revenue.

According to a recent report that Buchfink quoted, there are 752 participants in Fort Smith’s program. Those who participate save an average of $30 per month on utilities.

He said he believes more people in Fort Smith qualify for the program than are applying for it, so his office has been using social media and other methods to promote it within the community. With water bills increasing again in August, he expected to see a steady rise in applications come September.

“If you’re on a fixed income, it really does help,” Buchfink commented. He pointed out while $30 a month may not seem like much, for retirees or families with small children, “Every single dollar that they bring in matter. It’s hugely important to our citizens, our residents here.”

Since May 1, residents of Florence, S.C., who need financial assistance with their water and sewer bills can also expect aid – in their case, from a local CARE Program. CARE stands for “Coins that Add Relief and Enable.” The coins come from utility bills that are rounded up to the nearest dollar.

All the money collected goes into a general fund and prevents water shutoffs for low-income households, according to a press release from the city.

Every Florence resident is automatically enrolled in the program but has the option to opt out if they choose to do so. The expense to residents is minor, and the most any one customer will pay annually is $11.88.

Those who request CARE emergency assistance must have remained in the program and not opted out. Certain requirements must be met for anyone applying for aid, and the amount of payment relief cannot exceed $150 every six months.

The purpose of the CARE Program is simple and straightforward, as stated in the press release: “A small monthly contribution from customers can significantly impact community members in need of assistance.”

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