What is the Water Residential Assistance Program?
The Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) provides assistance to eligible, low-income households through water and sewer bill credits, arrearage assistance and conservation assistance such as minor plumbing repairs. The program is funded by one half of one percent of GLWA budgeted revenues. The program is administered by local service delivery partners, such as Macomb Community Action Agency (MCA), United Way for Southeastern Michigan (UWSEM) and the founding-administer Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency (Wayne Metro).
Building on the success of the first-of-its-kind program in Michigan, GLWA’s Board of Directors recently approved improvements to WRAP, which help the program continue to evolve by increasing accessibility and expanding the program to provide dynamic bill payment assistance based on ability to pay. The new WRAP Income Based Plan (IBP) is one of the most impactful programs in the nation, offering bill credits based on household income and amount of the water and sewer bill.
Water Residential Assistance Program Policy
The WRAP policy details the mission and vision of the program, as well as outlines WRAP’s objectives and outcomes.
Program Elements
- Direct Bill Payment Assistance
- Arrearage Assistance
- Conservation Assistance and Minor Plumping Repairs
Program Benefits
- Program participants can receive financial coaching and conservation education
- Community action agency partners can provide households with additional wrap around programming
- Utilities receive additional revenue on a reoccurring basis
- Program design is intentionally flexible to adjust to changing demands and needs
Who is Eligible for WRAP?
Households may be eligible for WRAP if they meet the following requirements:
- Reside within the GLWA service region
- Household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level
- Are responsible for paying their water bill
- Own OR rent the home
HOW TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WRAP
GLWA engages local service delivery partners to administer the program. This partnership leverages the other resources and assistance programs available, working to ensure residents have adequate support outside of just their water bill.
Wayne County, Washtenaw County & Monroe County:
Wayne Metro Community Action Agency (Wayne Metro)
313-873-6000
Macomb County, Lapeer County and St. Clair County:
Macomb Community Action (MCA)
586-469-6464
Oakland County
United Way for Southeastern Michigan
248-983-5656
City of Flint
Wayne Metro Community Action Agency (Wayne Metro)
810-510-9727
Outreach & Education
WRAP’s Impact in the Community
- “The water auditor explained everything that needed repairing and changed some things on the spot to save water, like my shower head. Thank you WRAP for all of your assistance!”
- “I requested assistance and I was treated with respect, my application link was sent directly to me, and I did not have to wait many days anticipating a decision.”
- “I was shown how my water meter works, also tips for saving water to keep my bill down. Please keep educating residents about water!”
