Toho Water Authority increases funding for financially impacted customers, donates to area nonprofits

Toho Water Authority (Toho) continues to assist customers financially impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) through the Toho Assistance Program (TAP). 

Toho typically allots $50,000 annually for this community assistance program.  However, the amount available was tripled by the Board of Supervisors to $150,000 due to COVID-19.  Since the start of the pandemic from March 1 to Aug. 20, 736 families (2,343 individuals) have been assisted through TAP, and a remaining balance of more than $40,000 is still available. The TAP program is administered through the Osceola Council on Aging. It prioritizes income eligible Toho customers whose service is in the process of being disconnected, as well as households with elderly or disabled individuals or families with children under the age of 18. Any customers who might be eligible and need assistance paying their bill can visit www.tohowater.com/tap.

Recognizing the immediate needs of local nonprofits and the communities they serve during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Toho board of supervisors also voted unanimously to provide additional funding to the following organizations: $10,000 to the Community Hope Center; $5,000 each to St. Rosa Lima Catholic Church Food Pantry in Poinciana and Osceola REDI; $4,000 to the Osceola County Historical Society and $2,500 each to H.O.M.E. (Helping Others Make the Effort), Osceola Council on Aging and Help Now of Osceola, Inc. The funding came from Toho’s annual sponsorship program, which has seen planned community events canceled, creating a surplus of sponsorship funds.

“Toho recognizes that our community is facing challenges resulting from the pandemic,” Toho Executive Director Todd Swingle said. “The funds provided through TAP and Toho’s sponsorship program helps local community service organizations continue offering quality and affordable services to their members and community.”