RAPID CITY, SD—In an effort to support community members experiencing financial hardships, the City of Rapid City is launching a new initiative to help residents with keeping their utility services active during difficult times.
The program, called ‘City Utility Assist’, is organized by City staff and is a community-driven effort to help ensure that no household goes without essential water, sewer, and solid waste services due to temporary financial difficulties. Donations raised through this initiative will go directly toward assisting eligible residents who are struggling to keep up with their City utility bills.
“Our goal is to make sure every citizen has access to essential services, no matter what life throws their way,” said Mayor Jason Salamun. “This program is a great example of City staff stepping up to serve the community in another meaningful way.”
To kick off the new initiative, the first City Utility Assist event City staff is organizing is a Pay-What-You-Can Soup Dinner, to be held at City Hall on Thursday, May 15, beginning at 6 p.m. The Utility Assist fund will be supported entirely by voluntary donations, with every dollar raised going directly to helping local families in crisis. City employees are already contributing, and the City invites residents, businesses, and civic groups to join the effort.
The City is partnering with The Society of Saint Vincent DePaul to manage the fund administration. Saint Vincent DePaul collaborates with other people of goodwill in relieving need and addressing its causes.
“With a proven track record of walking with people in times of hardship, we are excited to partner with Saint Vincent DePaul to provide this resource for our citizens. Our staff lives and works in this community. Every day we speak to people who are facing struggles and just need a little help. This program gives our staff a chance to show how much they care about our community. This is truly neighbors helping neighbors,” said City Public Works Administration Operations Manager Shannon Truax. “And that’s what makes Rapid City special.”
All funds raised will be applied directly to utility accounts for those approved. Event details will be forthcoming. For information on participating in the event, contact Truax at 605-394-4135 or shannon.truax@rcgov.org
