High Plains Utility Assistance is a new Falcon area nonprofit corporation that hopes to provide monetary assistance to Woodmen Hills residents who need help with their water and waste water treatment bills. HPUA was recently founded by Woodmen Hills residents alarmed by the number of neighbors whose utilities were shut off because of their inability to pay monthly bills. The organization is currently seeking donations so that they can begin to administer aid.When the idea to develop HPUA began to take root in October 2009, Woodmen Hills was averaging 20 to 30 utilities shut-offs each month, according to a spokesman for the district. This past January, the district mailed 180 notices of discontinued services to 30 of the 2,622 residences in the community.HPUA will refer potential recipients to the Pikes Peak Community Action Agency for screening. PPCAA will then review each case and identify those applicants who are truly in need of assistance. “We are not going to just give money away to people. Residents must qualify for assistance and take ownership of their circumstances by following through with Pikes Peak Community Action Agency and by paying the park and rec fee on their (WHMD) bill,” said HPUA President Beth Moulton.Two local residents have offered to match up to $500 in donations to help get HPUA off the ground. ìIf we can solicit enough donations to reach those matching amounts, we should be able to maintain a sustainable level and start helping a lot of people in the community,î Moulton said.Woodmen Hills residents can donate each month through their Woodmen Hills Metropolitan District billings. Donation options include rounding each monthly bill to the next dollar, donating a set amount each month or writing a check for one lump sum. Checks can be made out to High Plains Utilities Assistance. For more information, call 719-332-2602.
