Rapid City launches initiative for utility payment hardships

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Life happens, and sometimes people fall on a financial hardship. The City of Rapid City has announced a new initiative to help community members when those hardships happen.

The “City Utility Assist” program was organized by Rapid City staff members who are working to raise funds in order to assist community members who need help paying their city utility bills.

The fund will be fully supported by voluntary donations.

City employees have already begun contributing and are inviting community members, businesses and organizations to join the effort.

The city is partnering with The Society of Saint Vincent DePaul to administer the funds raised and will decide who is eligible for assistance with their water, sewage and solid waste services.

“When you’re in crisis, the last thing you want is to have your water turned off or your garbage not picked up,” said Shannon Truax, Public Works administrations operator. “These are essential city services, and if we can find a way to keep people connected to that while they navigate through other challenges, that’s something city staff wants to support.“

City staff will be kicking off the new initiative with a Pay-What-You-Can Soup Diner on Thursday, May 15 at City Hall.