FAQ

The following is a list of agencies that may be able to provide assistance in your time of need:

• SKYWAY/SALVATION ARMY'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CAP) Skyway Water and Sewer District and the Renton Salvation Army are working together to provide utility bill payment assistance to all qualifying Skyway customers. The Salvation Army will administer the program and screen all applicants for eligibility. If you are in need of help in paying your water or sewer bill, please give us a call at 206-772-7343. We will provide you with necessary account information and refer you to a Salvation Army social service representative for screening and assistance. To reach the Renton Salvation Army directly, you may call 425-255-5969.

• CATHOLIC COMMUNITY SERVICES (253)854-0077 www.ccsww.org

• CENTRAL AREA MOTIVATION PROGRAM (206)329-4111

• COMMUNITY INFO LINE-CRISIS CLINIC (Information Resource Agency) (206)461-3200 www.crisisclinic.org Crisis Clinic offers an array of support services available to everyone in King County. Their telephone services provide immediate, confidential assistance for people in emotional distress, as well as those needing information on health and human service organizations. Crisis Clinic's online resource database has comprehensive information on over 7,800 services in King County.

• ST. VINCENT DE PAUL (206)767-6449

• SOUTH KING COUNTY MULTI SERVICE CENTER (Energy Only) (253)854-3437 ext. 106

• Customers may also be eligible for assistance from the Office of Community Services Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) by contacting the following Community Action Agency: Multi-Service Center LIHEAP/LIHWAP 253-517-2263 or mschelps.org

• The Department of Health (DOH) serves as a point of contact for information sharing, guidance, and technical assistance for community water systems and their customers.  You can reach DOH at 800-525-0127 or see Frequently Asked Questions for Water System Customers at DOH.WA.GOV  and for Customer Assistance Programs

• The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Disaster Cash Assistance Program helps people with their basic needs during this emergency.  Apply online at www.WashingtonConnection.org and then call the Customer Service Contact Center at 1-877-501-2233 to complete the required interview. Or call 877-501-2233 to complete the whole application process. For more information, visit: DSHS Disaster Cash Assistance Program (DCAP)

When seeking agency assistance in paying your utility bills, please remember these helpful hints:

• Please be aware that agencies may be able to help on a one-time basis only.

• Have all your information current; outstanding utility bills; account numbers, etc.

• Be pleasant (do not be impatient or rude). These people also want to help you out of your difficulties. Sometimes you will have the wrong agency for your problem. (Keep trying, with a smile.)

• DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE. Most help will involve an appointment and this could take several weeks.

• ON YOUR OWN, ASK EACH COMPANY where you are BEHIND IN YOUR BILLS if they have a budget plan or a plan that lets you pay a small amount of cash on a consistent basis. THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

• If you find a helpful person, THANK THEM. Do not talk negative about any organization.

• Learn to budget and set aside moneys for utilities ALL YEAR LONG. Even if you don't use heat in the summer, you can set aside some extra cash for fall and winter.

• SET A GOAL. A DOLLAR A DAY SET ASIDE WILL ADD UP TO PAY YOUR UTILITY BILL. YOU CAN DO IT!! START NOW! ONE DAY AT A TIME! GOOD LUCK!!