Tag: Water Service

There is still a lot of work to do in the country to move this critical reform forward; meanwhile, Community partners are stepping up to support community healing. We are proud to be a part of United Way’s Equity Challenge (click to sign up), and are committed to supporting each other through our work in healing circles. 

We also acknowledge that the work is not just outward, but we must be introspective, remove our bias and refocus to learn more about ourselves and the steps we can take to create change and make a difference. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is working diligently to strengthen our DE&I efforts across the Agency and initiate conversations that can foster an inclusive environment.  

We all play a part in the movement for equality, now let’s SHOW our community that #TeamWayneMetro has what it takes to foster an equitable and inclusive space with our actions and advocacy.

Have a safe Memorial Day weekend, 

“My plumbing problem was a disaster. The main drain collapsed and water would back up into the basement when there was rain. There was no sewer line in the house and eventually, another drain system burst in the floor.

At one point, water started to leak into other rooms in my basement and into my furnace. I was pumping water out of the basement every day, for a little over a year. It got to the point where I asked my son and his friends to assist me with repairs. The cost of doing the repairs was too high, as I’m on a fixed income.

I received a phone call from Gary Brown from the City of Detroit around September of 2020 that let me know Wayne Metro was going to help people with plumbing assistance. After speaking with Wayne Metro employees about repairs, inspectors were sent to my house to check and see if I qualified.

Wayne Metro took me out of the nightmare I was in. I’m very grateful for what they did. The plumbing (work) was excellent. The crew wasted no time in executing the job professionally and efficiently. My heart is still warm from what Wayne Metro did for me. I’ve lived a hard-luck life. I’ve never had anyone do anything like that for me.”

“I heard of the CERA program through a friend who is a leasing agent. She told me about CERA because I was sick and wasn’t working due to COVID-19. I was diagnosed with COVID twice. I had pneumonia the second time and ended up losing a grandparent within that time frame.

I think CERA is a beautiful thing. Last year — really the last two years — were very difficult for me. I went from thinking I had the winter flu to having COVID and losing a family member. I’m a person that’s been through a lot, in addition to having to take care of younger siblings.

We had recently moved into the house we’re in now around February 2020. There was a lot of stress on me between my landlord and my illness. Brenda from Wayne Metro eased a lot of that stress. She was very nice and reached out to me via emails and over the phone, trying to make sure I had all of the correct information.

I was sad when I got sick again and I couldn’t work. People were telling me when the pandemic first happened that bills were being forgiven or there was leniency on being able to pay bills. That wasn’t the case. There would be people stressing you out and sending you eviction letters or even shut-off notices.

Things were hard because of my illness. There would be organizations saying they can help me and people would end up being rude to you or not helping you. I feel like with the CERA program, Wayne Metro would follow up and actually help you. Everyone that I’ve talked with at Wayne Metro was polite and caring. The experience was comforting and made me feel less stressed.

I feel like CERA is a blessing because I’ve been given the ringer for a couple of different programs and it was nice to work with an organization that wants to help you. That’s what makes Wayne Metro a step above the rest.”

“I am truly grateful to have been recently blessed by Wayne Metropolitan Community’s Emergency Plumbing Assistance Program and I want to share my experience in hopes that many other homeowners who have plumbing emergencies may also be blessed.

I am elated to say that Wayne Metro partially repaired a second-floor bathroom that was not functioning at all for a very long time. Water was leaking through the walls and into the basement, so all water in that bathroom had to be shut-off.

Many plumbers came to evaluate and estimate the work and cost. I soon discovered that rusted and broken stack pipes were throughout my house, and the cost was far beyond my ability to repair. My family has helped but they are also limited.

The next problem was trying to find a plumber that was reliable and reputable. I was amazed how many plumbers were unwilling to provide me with their license, insurance, or a contract that would state a start date and a completion date and spell out details. Most insisted on a 50 – 70% down payment without a contract, which is absurd. With the awesome assistance of Wayne Metro’s program, not only are you spared the debilitating cost of major plumbing problems, but all the plumbers and contractors recruited are thoroughly screened and selected.”

“I was receiving disability benefits, and I did not have enough money coming into my household to pay my bills, and everything fell behind. My water bill was close to $900 in arrears, and I knew at any time my water could be shut off. Eventually, my water was shut off due to non-payment. My wife, three children, and I were without water for three months, and we had to use a water hose that connected from our neighbor’s home to our home so that we would have running water. Every day was difficult, and there were evenings that our family was thankful just to have a roof over our heads.

It was a true blessing that I learned about the WRAP Program in 2015 when it first rolled out. I was excited to learn how this new program could help me, and as soon as open enrollment became available, I was informed that I was eligible for assistance. I was enrolled in WRAP’s very first 12-month program. It seemed like I could finally see light at the end of the tunnel because I was going to receive much-needed help. I was able to save $50 each month on my water bill.

After being enrolled in the Program for two full years, I contacted Wayne Metro and asked if there were any changes made to the enrollment requirements because I was hoping for an opportunity to re-enroll in WRAP. Less than three weeks, I was informed that due to recent changes within the Program, I was eligible for a third-year re-enrollment, and would be in the WRAPFinity Program.

In December 2020, I determined that I just could not provide the required lump sum payment, so the water bill would be paid and full. During Christmas, I received a letter and an email message from Wayne Metro stating that my $1,000 balance was paid by a donor. When I first read the letter, I sat at my dining room table and cried. I felt so thankful, because I didn’t owe anything, and my water would not be shut off. I was in such shock that I called Wayne Metro to confirm that the bill was really paid off.

In the beginning, it was very hard for me to ask someone to help me, my pride is very stubborn. My family has always worked, and we managed to figure out a way to do things. But when push comes to shove, and you have kids, and you’re on disability, and can’t handle your bills. You have no choice, but to allow someone to help you.

The Agency is a lifesaver, and Wayne Metro’s Basic Needs Manager, Staci White is consistent, and she listens to me even if I repeat myself. When someone mentions to me that they have fallen on hard times, I recommend Wayne Metro, you are my go-to Agency.”