Sanford Cares Community Assistance & Relief Emergency Support

How it works

Sanford Cares is a community assistance program for residents in Lee County. The City of Sanford says the program is funded by water customers who round their monthly bills up to the nearest dollar, choose a flat monthly contribution, or make a one-time donation. The contributions go into an emergency relief fund.

What the money covers

The fund is used to help struggling residents pay their water and sewer bills. The page does not describe any home-hardening repairs, disaster mitigation work, or property retrofits.

How it is administered

The Sanford Cares fund is administered by Johnston-Lee-Harnett Community Action, described on the page as a private nonprofit agency that helps families with housing, crisis intervention, utility bill assistance, and more.

How to contribute

Customers can start contributions in two ways:

• Download and complete a form, then return it by mail or email it to customerservice@tririverwater.com.
• Complete and submit the online form.

Contribution options include:

• Rounding the bill up to the nearest dollar.
• Adding a flat amount to each month’s bill, in any amount chosen by the customer.
• Making a one-time contribution of any amount by mailing a check with “Sanford Cares” in the memo line to Customer Service.

For questions about contributing, the page provides Customer Service at customerservice@tririverwater.com or 919-775-8215.

How to apply for help

Lee County residents who have fallen behind on their water or sewer bills can apply by contacting Johnston-Lee-Harnett Community Action. The agency evaluates need as an independent third party. The main office is at 225 S. Steele Street in Sanford and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Residents can call 919-776-0746 or visit www.jlhcommunityaction.org.

Timing and deadlines

The page does not list a program deadline. For recurring contributions, donations begin during the billing cycle following receipt of the form or online submission. Contributions automatically stop when a customer disconnects or transfers service, and customers must make a new request to restart contributions when they resume service. To cancel a contribution, contact Customer Service by phone or email.