A partnership between Truckee Meadows Water Authority and a home repair protection company has generated $330,000 to help Northern Nevada families struggling with utility bills.
The funding will go to United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra’s Special Assistance Fund for Emergencies program, which provides emergency utility bill assistance to households facing financial hardship.
The money was generated through a three-year partnership between TMWA and Service Line Warranties of America, a HomeServe company. The program offers homeowners optional protection plans to help cover unexpected repairs to water service lines and other home systems.
More than 10,000 TMWA customers have enrolled in the plans since the partnership began. Participating homeowners have saved more than $1.5 million in out-of-pocket repair costs, according to the organizations.
A portion of the revenue generated through the program has been set aside for community assistance and will now support families in need across Reno, Sparks and Washoe County.
“Unexpected financial emergencies can put immense strain on hard-working households, often forcing difficult choices between basic necessities. This generous $330,000 donation through TMWA’s relationship with HomeServe will provide continued support for a vital safety net, helping hundreds of local families stay secure in their homes,” said Blake Pang, president and CEO of United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra. We are so excited that TMWA and HomeServe will be joining NV Energy Foundation in this worthy cause.”
TMWA Customer Service Manager Marci Westlake said the partnership allows the utility to direct funds toward an established assistance program.
“At TMWA, our commitment has always been to serve and support the community. Partnering with United Way allows us to direct these partnership-generated funds into a proven, transparent program that ensures relief is delivered directly to families in need across Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County,” Westlake said.
HomeServe CEO Tom Rusin said the funding is an example of how partnerships with utilities and municipalities can provide benefits beyond home repair coverage.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of our utility and municipal partnerships is the opportunity to create benefits that extend beyond homeowners that participate in our programs,” Rusin said. “We’re proud that our partnership with TMWA has allowed us to set aside $330,000 that can now help Northern Nevada families through the SAFE Program.”
The SAFE program has established eligibility guidelines to direct assistance to residents who qualify for help. The organizations said the funding will support local families facing financial challenges.
