The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) is celebrating two decades of assisting local families in need through the Help to Others (H2O) program. H2O supports area residents who are in a financial crisis and cannot afford their water and/or wastewater utility bill. In celebration of the milestone, HRPDC and its member jurisdictions are sponsoring a $20 for 20 Campaign. Anyone who is capable of giving a $20 contribution – $1 for each year of the program’s existence – is encouraged to make a donation between now and December 31 at www.shareH2O.org/donate.

“We’re thrilled that we have been able to assist our neighbors in need for the past two decades,” says Katie Cullipher, HRPDC Principal Environmental Education Planner. “But the work isn’t done. Though the community has been tremendously supportive, there are times when we don’t have enough funds to assist every family who requests it. This means they have to go without water for drinking, washing, cooking – daily activities that we so often take for granted.”

The H2O program is open to families in 18 localities across the Hampton Roads region and requests for assistance are administered through The Salvation Army. Donations are tax-deductible and 100% of all donated funds go directly to helping those in need. Thanks to the collaboration of local water utilities, HRPDC, HRSD and The Salvation Army, donated funds are never used for any administrative expenses.

“We like to say that we help the kindness flow,” continues Ms. Cullipher. “When you realize that losing water service can happen to anyone through a sudden layoff or an unexpected medical condition, it hits home. With the holidays just around the corner, we’re hopeful that we can rally a tide of support from those who have a lot to be thankful for, and that they can find it in their hearts to give.”

About Help 2 Others (H2O)

In 1999, HRSD and the public utilities departments of Hampton Roads joined forces through the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission to establish Help to Others (H2O) to help families in need. The program is made possible by a partnership with The Salvation Army. H2O allows you to make tax-deductible donations to help local families who cannot afford their water bill due to crises beyond their control. 100 percent of all donated funds go to the H2O program for bill payment assistance. Visit www.shareh2o.org to make a donation and for more information.