Jeff Whitelow has been known for his profound ability to walk in the shoes of those in the most vulnerable communities and help bring vital information to those who need it most, in language they best understand. Taking a vow of poverty to personally assess the life of those most vulnerable in Chicago, enabled him to identify that water shutoffs from unaffordable rates and lead exposure are serious problems. 

Through the Chicago Water Council, Jeff has championed the search for residents eligible for the new drinking water Utility Billing Relief (UBR) program in Southside Chicago neighborhoods and assisting them in enrolling into the program that forgives 100% of residents debts after one year of consistent payment. 

The Chicago Water Council has been working diligently to promote the awareness of the UBR program, boots are on the ground identifying residents, qualifying them according to the UBR criteria, and lastly, assisting them in becoming a UBR member of the program. To date the Chicago Water Council  has identified over 50 residents eligible for the program and helped enroll 20 residents while establishing partnerships with food pantries to meet our targeted members in generous volumes. Work is underway to reach out to other nearby neighborhoods, in the Southside of Chicago to further aid those in need and ensure public health for all Chicagoans. 

Freshwater Future honored Jeff Whitelow for his commitment with a Freshwater Hero Award, read more here or listen to Jeff accept his award.

Author: Brandon Tyus, Community Programming & Policy Associate

Original Article

Blog – Freshwater Future

Blog – Freshwater Future

https://freshwaterfuture.org/uncategorized/debt-relief-helps-keep-water-flowing/

Alexis Smith

April 10, 2020

This week: Water Service Update During COVID-19 + New Law Mandates Indiana Schools Test for Lead Contamination + Lakes Levels Still Breaking Records + Does Your Organization Qualify for CARES Act Help?

Water Service Update During COVID-19

The pandemic revealed the importance of water access and the harmful impacts of water shutoffs.  Here are a few highlights of progress and challenges from this week:

Access to clean water is a basic human right and Freshwater Future will continue to work to turn water on and keep water on for residents and make water affordable during and after the pandemic.

New Law Mandates Indiana Schools Test for Lead Contamination

Lead poisoning in children has irreversible effects and for some legislators, that’s starting to sink in. By 2023 a new Indiana state law requires schools’ drinking water systems to be tested. Hoosier Environmental Council expresses their appreciation to the legislature(s) for actively reducing the sources of lead exposed to children.

Lakes Levels Still Breaking Records

Even after a relatively mild winter Great Lake water levels remain high. While all Great Lakes are surpassing last year’s levels. Lakes Michigan and Huron and Lake Erie are breaking all-time records. Lakes Michigan and Huron are an incredible 14 inches higher than last year.

Does Your Organization Qualify for CARES Act Help?

The recently passed Federal CARES Act provides relief for businesses and nonprofits from economic impacts of the coronavirus.  Freshwater Future can help you determine if you qualify for these programs. If you are interested in receiving our assistance please email stephanie@freshwaterfuture.org.

Original Article

Blog – Freshwater Future

Blog – Freshwater Future

https://freshwaterfuture.org/uncategorized/freshwater-weekly-april-13-2020/

Alexis Smith