Corporate, individual donations are making a huge difference for many San Antonians
Local businesses and residents have responded in a big way to provide needed repairs after the recent winter storms caused water pipe damage to many San Antonio residences.
Thanks to the generosity of the community, business and private donations to SAWS’ Community Pipe Repair fund, or CPR, have totaled almost $867,000, as of March 3, with residents giving nearly $50,000 to the fund. Mayor Ron Nirenberg has been instrumental in securing corporate donations to raise funds to help homeowners make critical pipe repairs.
Many thanks to the donors who have made this a reality, including: Spurs Give, Hearst Foundation, Toyota, NuStar, Greehey Family Foundation, Frost Charitable Foundation, Schultz Family Foundation, Wells Fargo, Broadway Bank and Latino Foundation – San Antonio Area Foundation (SAAFdn).
More than 1,000 applications have been received, including nearly 400 on the program’s first day. More recently, San Antonio Water System received an additional 100 applications on Monday.
The SAAFdn was key in executing the CPR program. Under this program, single-family homeowners with a 2019 home value of $140,000 or less are eligible. If the home is valued in excess than $140,000, then a household may apply to determine if their income/family size meets criteria of 140 percent of federal poverty levels. Home renters can also apply if the property owner agrees to the terms of the program and signs a waiver of damages.
Customers can apply for the CPR program online at saws.org/cpr. They can also get help filing an application by calling 210-233-FIXX (3499) or by emailing CPR-SA@saws.org. Spanish language assistance is available by phone or email.
As an additional resource, the City of San Antonio’s Emergency Resource Call Center (ERCC) and strongertogether.sanantonio.gov website assist residents affected by the winter storm. Residents can call 311 and select option 5 or 210-207-6000 to connect with a representative Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.