Buena Park Provides Help Covering Struggling Residents’ Utilities Tab

Mayor of Buena Park Fred Smith spoke a broadcasted event on September 16, 2020, urging Governor of California Gavin Newsom to reopen themeparks in Orange County. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

The City of Buena Park launched a utility assistance program Feb. 16 to provide financial support to residents impacted by the pandemic.

Those who need help paying for past utility bills can apply for assistance for up to three months, and receive up to $1,000.

Qualified applicants must have a current household income at or below 80 percent of the Orange County median income, or roughly less than $72,000 in yearly income.

Residents must also have had their income impacted by the pandemic after March 15, 2020, have past due utility bills, be a U.S. Citizen. Applicants must live in Buena Park to qualify.

Applications are available and accepted in person at city hall, and can be download online.

If residents have received support from the city’s rental assistance program, or utility assistance from another agency or nonprofit since the start of the pandemic, they don’t qualify for Buena Park’s most recent program.