May 12, 2020
STARKVILLE – To help residents who are experiencing financial hardships related to COVID-19, Starkville Utilities is partnering with TVA to present $10,000 to two local nonprofits from the TVA COVID Community Care Fund.
According to Terry Kemp, general manager for Starkville Utilities, grants of $2,500 from TVA’s fund will be used by Starkville Rotary Foundation and $7500 for United Way of North Central Mississippi to support pandemic relief efforts.
“Starkville Utilities is part of the community, and we want to help customers who are struggling financially through no fault of their own,” said Kemp. “During these challenging times, we are thankful to TVA for making grants available through the TVA COVID Community Care Fund that will provide much-needed relief for individuals and families who need a helping hand.”
The Starkville Rotary Foundation, in partnership with Starkville Strong, will use TVA’s grant to fund “Starkville Cares” relief packages for at-risk seniors, single mothers and service industry employees. Care packages are stocked with food and essential household supplies to last two weeks. To learn more, visit starkvillerotary.org.
Funding from TVA also will boost the United Way of North Central Mississippi’s Emergency Management Fund, which provides financial support to working families in need of mortgage, rental and utility assistance. Applicants must provide documentation that their income has been affected by COVID-19 because of layoffs, furloughs or reduced hours. More information is available at strongneighbor.com.
“We appreciate the work these nonprofit agencies are doing to help vulnerable individuals and families in our community,” Kemp said. “We are also helping customers by practicing maximum flexibility in payment plans at this time, and we encourage customers who are struggling financially to contact of Starkville Utilities at 662-323-3133 to speak with one of our customer service representatives.”
Starkville Utilities is a public utility serving 14,000 residences, businesses and industries in Starkville, Mississippi as well as Mississippi State University. Its mission is to supply safe, reliable, and cost-effective electric and water service of superior quality and value that improves the lives of its customers.