Muslim Community Pitches In To Help Detroit Ratepayers

Detroit residents who are having difficulty paying their water bills are getting $100,000 in aid from religious groups.

"The Michigan Muslim Community Council (MMCC) and Islamic Relief USA are donating the money to the Detroit Water Fund — a partnership between the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department and the United Way for Southeastern Michigan — and Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency, which offers aid for utility bills and other services to low-income people," The Detroit News reported.

Muzammil Ahmed, chairperson of MMCC, said the hope is that this generosity will spread. “We hope that our example of helping the city will inspire others to step forward and be a part of Detroit’s revitalization,” Ahmed said, per a statement from the groups.

"We are hoping this is going to be contagious," Anwar Khan, CEO of Islamic Relief USA, said, per the News. "The most important thing we have is not our money, it's our energy and our enthusiasm, and it's our people. … Also, it is important to us in our faith to help our neighbors. It is a part of our faith to help our friends."

The Detroit Water Fund announced that it would expand the eligibility requirements of those seeking help with bills.

"Customers who owe up to $2,000 could qualify for as much as a 25 percent match on their overdue amount if they pay down 10 percent, according to the city. The Water Fund also will provide the match for up to 12 months if monthly payments are made, officials said," according to the News.

"The expanded eligibility means more than 30,000 customers with outstanding balances have the chance to apply for funding — available on a first-come, first-serve basis — if they meet low-income requirements, officials said," the report said.

Detroit's water department shut off service for thousands of delinquent ratepayers last year. It drew heated public criticism and major protests for this policy, including United Nations criticism.

"The water department stopped service to about 7,200 homes and businesses in [June of 2014], compared to 1,570 in [June of 2013]. Water was restored to 43 percent after customers paid or worked out payment plans, though thousands more have been affected since [the fall of 2013]," the Associated Press reported.

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