City launches COVID-19 Temporary Residential Utility Grant Assistance Program
***UPDATED 10/9/2020***
Temporary Residential Utility Grant Assistance Program FAQ Sheet
What is the utility grant program?
The COVID-19 Temporary Residential Utility Grant Assistance Program will provide one-time utility assistance to eligible City of Valdosta households who are behind on their utility accounts and are low to moderate-income or have suffered a loss of income related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Limited funding is available, the program is open first come first serve to city residents. The City of Valdosta Utility Assistance program is available to City residents for up to 6 months of utility arrearages originating no earlier than March of 2020. You Must Have An Appointment to Submit An Application
How do I make an appointment?
Starting on Monday, October 12th, 2020 citizens will be able to make appointments for the appointment slots which have opened thus far in the program due to the appointments being missed or non-qualified applicants. You must have an appointment to complete the required grant application. PLEASE HAVE YOUR ACCOUNT INFORMATION AVAILABLE WHEN YOU CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT.
Will future appointments be available?
Yes. After October 12th, citizens can call 229-671-3617 on MONDAYS ONLY to see if any appointments have opened from the previous week. Appointments will only be made on MONDAYS until the program ends.
Where will applications be taken and what time? Who will be taking the applications?
The new application intake will be October 19, 2020. Application processing is estimated to be completed by November 17. Residents with appointments must attend their scheduled time slot at the City of Valdosta Customer Service Center located at 102 N. Lee Street. NO LATE OR MISSED APPOINTMENTS WILL BE HONORED – Must be rescheduled if the program schedule and funding permits.
What if I have an appointment already for a future date to submit an application?
Please contact 229-671-3617 to give staff your utility account information to avoid service disconnection.
Once I fill out an application how do I receive the grant?
The relief program will provide grant payments of up to $350 paid directly to utility providers (City of Valdosta Utility, Georgia Power, Colquitt Electric). No funds will be disbursed directly to the applicant.
Do I have to be a City of Valdosta resident to participate?
YES, the program is only available to City of Valdosta residents.
What do I need to bring with me to fill out an application?
Residents will submit to City staff a copy of utility bills and a State-Issued ID along with their City of Valdosta Utility, Georgia Power, or Colquitt Electric account number.
Can multiple residents in the same household apply for the grant?
The maximum grant per ADDRESS is $350. Multiple applicants sharing an address will have a combined $350 limit
Who can I call if I have questions about the program?
For further information regarding this program, please contact the City of Valdosta Neighborhood Development Division at 229-671-3617.
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On Monday, September 21, 2020, the City of Valdosta will open the application period for its COVID-19 Temporary Residential Utility Grant Assistance Program, which will provide one-time utility assistance to eligible City of Valdosta households who are low to moderate-income or have suffered a loss of income related to the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds will assist with utility payments to either the City of Valdosta, Georgia Power, or Colquitt Electric Collaborative for residential past due balances due to COVID-19. The relief program will provide grant payments of up to $350 directly to utility providers.
The Temporary Residential Utility Grant Assistance Program is open to City of Valdosta residents only and available on a first-come first-qualified basis for 1107 applicants.
“We know COVID-19 has had a huge economic impact on many of our residents, particularly when it comes to paying for essentials like monthly rent and utility bills,” said Vanassa Flucas, Neighborhood Development Director. “This program will help more than 1,100 residents in need.”
The following are details on who may apply for the Temporary Residential Utility Grant Assistance Program and how to submit an application:
- Applicants must reside within the City of Valdosta, no exceptions
- Applications will be taken by appointment only - To make an appointment please call 229-259-3520.
- The program begins Monday, September 21 at 8:00 a.m. and ends once all application appointments have been filled
- NO LATE OR MISSED APPOINTMENTS WILL BE HONORED – Must be rescheduled if the program schedule permits
- Applicants must bring a copy of utility bills and a State-Issued ID
- Grant amounts are up to $350.00 and will be issued to the utility providers only
- No money will be issued to residents
- Only one grant will be issued per residential address
- Appointments will be scheduled daily until all the program funding is spent
For further information regarding this program, please contact the City of Valdosta Neighborhood Development Division at 229-671-3617.