Hundreds of renters in metro Detroit have had to live without water over the past few months.
Now, hundreds more are at risk of their H2O coming to a halt.
It often stems from shady landlords not holding up their end of the rental agreement.
It's a frightening feeling and a problem that requires a radical solution.
The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department has an answer. It's called the Water Residential Assistance Program - WRAP.
The program is designed to help renters and homeowners get into a payment program. It will also assist renters in becoming the responsible party for paying the bill.
WRAP can also help citizens with fixing minor repairs.
The water department and its partners recognize the need is great and to solve a problem like this, they must be proactive, creative and have compassion for the customers they serve.
"We all have a personal experience that we can relate to. I had a family member years ago, where we were trying to work with the water department and it was difficult. It was a different time. The administration and the staff that we have been able to bring on has really worked very hard to have a paradigm shift, to show that we really care," says Palencia Mobley, the Deputy Director and Chief Engineer for the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department.
You must meet specific criteria to enroll in the WRAP program.
To find out if you and your family qualifications, contact the Water Residential Assistance Program (wrap) 313-386-wrap (9727) or www.waynemetro.org/wrap.
