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$3.5 million now available to help pay MLGW bills

For those struggling to make utility payments, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland made $3.5 million available
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

MEMPHIS, Tennessee — Every month, people in the Greater Memphis area struggle to pay their MLGW bill. The COVID-19 pandemic has made things worse, because of the huge number of people out of work.

Wednesday afternoon, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland announced that he has made $3.5 million available for Memphis Light Gas Water payments.

In a tweet, Mayor Strickland said, “In partnership [with the] Memphis City Council, I authorized the wire transfer of $3.5M of CARES Act funds to MIFA to ensure Memphians who are struggling with utility payments get the help they need. To apply, visit mifa.org/applyonline, or visit any one of our libraries for free.

Monday, the utility company began its policy of cutoffs for non-payment.

Click here to apply.

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News Release from MIFA

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to hit our vulnerable neighbors in Memphis and the Mid-South particularly hard, MIFA is grateful to have received $3.5 million of CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act funding from the City of Memphis today. This funding is part of the Memphis City Council Emergency Relief Program.

Assistance is limited to Memphis residents who can demonstrate they have been laid off, had their hours reduced or their workplaces closed or restricted because of COVID-19. Individuals may receive assistance with utility, rent, and mortgage payments; utility assistance through this grant is capped at a one-time only $200 per household. The application for assistance through this CARES Act grant will be available on MIFA’s website beginning next week.

MIFA’s Emergency Services program accepts applications for utility, rent, and mortgage assistance on an ongoing basis. Applications are only accepted online at mifa.org/applyonline; eligibility information and the hours the applications are active are also listed on that page. Due to increased volume, it may take several days for MIFA staff to respond after receiving an application.

We ask that the public be patient as we work with the City of Memphis to finalize the details of distributing this grant money so that it serves as many of our neighbors in need as possible within funding guidelines. For the latest information, go to mifa.org.

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