Mesa Utilities ABC donation program

One way for people to give back is the ABC program from Mesa Utilities. Funds are collected from the community and assistance can be provided to a number of causes, including to help qualified customers with paying their utility bills in a crisis situation. The program, known as A Better Community, is one of the main services that can assist the least fortunate in Arizona.

The program is a voluntary donation program and all money contributed is tax-deductible. The money raised is then given to non-profit groups that provide funds to the elderly, families with children, and other that need help with their bills. All of the money, and administration of the program, is done by local agencies such as the American Red Cross, to Adoption of Special Kids, community action, East Valley Adult Resources Inc., Paz de Cristo Community Center, United Food Bank. Therefore low income families that need assistance should call a local agency and refer to the ABC program.

Anyone can contribute, and only those facing a crisis can apply. To donate, you can do this as a recurring contribution on your monthly bill. While the typical amount is $5 per month, as noted people can contribute any dollar amount they want. People can change the amount as well, and all funds go to the less fortunate and is not to be used for paying administrative costs. Or make a one time contribution as that is an option too.

There are well over 100,000 utility customers in the city of Mesa. So if everyone just gave a dollar per month, that’s a substantial amount of money that could go in to help assist those who are less-fortunate. A number of disconnections can be prevented from just a small contribution.

When applying for utility bill assistance, not the aid from ABC is temporary. It is for needy individuals who do not have enough money to pay their electricity or energy bill. This, and more, is what the ABC - A Better Community program can pay for.

 

 

 

 

Some Mesa Arizona residents go through short term challenges. This can be people on low incomes, seniors or the disabled on fixed incomes, people who have a layoff or some temporary setback, and others. There are times when people are struggling to pay the most essential bill, and in these cases ABC may be able to assist them.

All of the money donated goes into a pool which helps low-income or working poor people who are struggling to pay their utility bills. All funds paid out are one time relief and is short term aid. This is not a long term government subsidy. Tens of thousands of dollars are normally paid out each year to those that need assistance.

To learn more, apply for assistance from Mesa Utilities, or for more information, call 480-644-2221.