Tennessee American Water and the American Water Charitable Foundation are providing $15,000 in grants to four Tennessee organizations for their COVID-19 relief efforts.
Tennessee American Water, with funds from the American Water Charitable Foundation, is donating to the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga, the Marion County Food Bank, La Paz Chattanooga and the Sequatchie County Food Bank to assist with meals and support services during the pandemic.
“This public health emergency has impacted our customers, employees and neighbors,” says Tennessee American Water President Darlene Williams. “We’re grateful to these organizations for the incredible work they’re doing to care for people.”
To meet nutritional needs while schools and day cares are closed, YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga is serving an average of 1,500 to 2,000 meals a day, along with providing educational materials in both English and Spanish to promote early and school-age learning during child care and school closures.
La Paz Chattanooga is a social service organization working to provide relief funds, food and supplies to individuals and families. La Paz served over 500 people in March and almost 60 families to date with supportive funding.
In March, Tennessee American Water suspended shut-offs for nonpayment and restored previously discontinued residential customer service.
The utility has also suspended late fees and is working with customers who are experiencing hardships, including offering the option to apply for payment programs and its Project Water Help payment assistance program.
Source: Tennessee American Water