Special to Iredell Free News

Statesville Utility customers have a simple yet powerful way to share the warmth this winter with neighbors in need.

Statesville Connects is a voluntary assistance program allows customers to contribute through their monthly utility bills to aid low-income families and people in crisis who need help with their utility payments.

Statesville customers can donate in two ways:

♦ The Round-up Program is a new method for contributing that allows the customer to “round up” their bill each month to the next highest dollar amount.

♦ Customers can also participate by adding a designated contribution on their monthly bill. Separate donations are also accepted.

The Round-Up program works like this: If the bill is $41.70, the amount would be rounded up to $42 even, and 30 cents would be donated to the Statesville Connects program. Customers who sign up for the Round-up Program will make a maximum contribution of less than $12 annually.

The City is working with the Salvation Army to screen customers and determine their eligibility for assistance. The program is for Statesville residential utility customers only and qualification is based on requirements set by the Salvation Army. To apply for assistance from Statesville Connects, contact the Salvation Army at 1361 Caldwell Street or 704-872-5623.

To contribute to this important program, complete the form online at statesvillenc.net/SVLConnects or email customerservice@statesvillenc.net to request a form be sent to you.

Statesville Mayor Costi Kutteh has been an advocate for the Round-up Program for many years and expressed gratitude for its start-up.

“I am hopeful that our community will embrace this program and show how much we care for one another. It is such an easy way to connect with others who need our help more than ever,” said Kutteh.

LEARN MORE

More information on the program can be found at statesvillenc.net/SVLConnects.