Special to Iredell Free News

During Monday’s Statesville City Council meeting, Manager Ron Smith provided an update on the Utility Assistance Fund, which was established earlier this year by the council to help residents in need with their utility payments.

So far, about $12,000 of the $100,000 fund has been dispersed.

City officials are working with the United Way to make the funds available to all residents who qualify for assistance.

Applicants must live inside the city limits and confirm they have a past due utility bill caused by COVID-19 and have not received previous CARES Act funding for utility assistance.

Funds are not restricted to only Statesville Utilities customers and can be used for payments to any utility that serves a qualified recipient.

During Monday night’s discussion, a council member incorrectly stated that 200 customers were scheduled to have their utilities disconnected Tuesday morning.

On Tuesday, Smith said that the correct number is 90 residential accounts. These customers can make application to use the assistance funds.

“We are not putting up any roadblocks to keep folks from getting the help they need,” said Smith.

How to Apply for Assistance

Applications can be made at:

♦ I-Care, 1415 Shelton Avenue: On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from  9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m;

♦ Iredell Christian Ministries: Call 704-924-6700 for an appointment; hours are Monday-Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 12 noon; and

♦ Yokefellow: Call 704-872-7677 for an appointment; hours are Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.