A partnership between Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) and Service Line Warranties of America, a HomeServe company, has produced $330,000 for emergency utility‑bill assistance in Northern Nevada. The money will be funneled through United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra’s Special Assistance Fund for Emergencies (SAFE) program, which already helps households coping with financial hardship.
How the program works
The three‑year collaboration offers homeowners optional protection plans that cover unexpected repairs to water service lines and other home systems. Since the program began, more than 10,000 TMWA customers have enrolled, collectively saving over $1.5 million in out‑of‑pocket repair costs, according to the agencies involved.
Funds directed to local families
Portions of the revenue generated by the protection plans have been set aside for community assistance. United Way’s president and CEO Blake Pang praised the donation, saying it will “provide continued support for a vital safety net, helping hundreds of local families stay secure in their homes.” The SAFE program will use the $330,000 to assist eligible residents in Reno, Sparks and the broader Washoe County area.
Utility and corporate leaders weigh in
Marci Westlake, TMWA Customer Service Manager, explained that the partnership allows the utility to direct funds toward an established, transparent assistance program. “At TMWA, our commitment has always been to serve and support the community,” Westlake said.
HomeServe CEO Tom Rusin highlighted the broader benefits of utility‑municipal collaborations. “One of the most rewarding aspects of our utility and municipal partnerships is the opportunity to create benefits that extend beyond homeowners that participate in our programs,” Rusin said. “We’re proud that our partnership with TMWA has allowed us to set aside $330,000 that can now help Northern Nevada families through the SAFE Program.”
Eligibility and impact
The SAFE program has established eligibility guidelines to ensure assistance reaches residents who truly need it. United Way and its partners expect the new funding to support dozens of families facing difficult choices between basic necessities and utility payments.
Local leaders view the donation as a concrete example of how public‑private partnerships can reinforce the social safety net without requiring additional taxpayer dollars. By leveraging the voluntary enrollment of water customers, the initiative channels private‑sector revenue into a proven charitable channel, reinforcing community resilience.
Looking ahead
Both TMWA and HomeServe plan to continue the partnership beyond the current three‑year term, with the goal of expanding enrollment and generating further resources for the SAFE program. Residents interested in enrolling in the protection plans or learning more about assistance eligibility are encouraged to contact TMWA customer service or visit United Way’s website.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
