EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Up to 12 months of assistance to cover past due water, gas, and electric bills is being offered to El Pasoans in need of financial help.

The City of El Paso gave non-profit organization, Amistad, a $4 million grant to help residents with utility assistance.

Beginning Monday, January 25, Amistad will resume taking applications for the AmistadCARES Utility Assistance Program.

The grant is part of federal funding from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance; however, Amistad will only be providing utility assistance.

“We are humbled to continue the partnership with the City of El Paso to provide financial relief for residents,” said Andrea Ramirez, Chief Executive Officer. “Last year, we were chosen to administer $500,000 for utility assistance and we were able to provide payment for nearly 1,100 past due bills. The current $4 million grant will provide continuation to our AmistadCARES Utility Assistance Program. We are prepared to continue serving our community in various capacities during a time of great need.”

The Utility Assistance Program can provide up to 12 months of assistance to cover past due water, gas, and electric bills. The program is set to run until September 31, 2021 but is contingent upon funds availability.

Who qualifies?

Households with incomes no more than 80 percent of area median income (AMI)* meeting the following conditions:

• One or more individual in the household has:
• Qualified for unemployment benefits OR
• Has experienced a reduction in household income,
• Incurred significant costs,
• Experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the COVID-19 pandemic, AND
• Has received a past due utility notice

Requirements:

• Must reside within the City of El Paso limits
• Have an active and verifiable account with the utility company
• Must reside within the property for which the assistance is being requested
• Must NOT be receiving utility assistance from other sources

Recently, Amistad also received $10,000 from United Way of El Paso to provide utility assistance. The funding helped provide assistance to applicants who were placed on a waiting list, due to depleted CARES funds last year.

To apply for utility assistance, call 915-298-7307 (select option 1 + option 1 + zip code) or visit www.projectamistad.org/amistadcares.

*AMI income limits depend on number of persons in family. Based on El Paso, TX HUD Metro FMR Area:

Household size and income:

1 = $33,000

2 = $37,700

3 = $42,400

4 = $47,100

5 = $50,900

6 = $54,650

7 = $58,450

8 = $62,200