District VIII homeowners struggling with broken water lines and the cost of repairs following mid-month’s extreme winter storm can now apply for emergency relief through PlumbFix, a pilot program that is a collaboration with City Council member Alyssa Cigarroa and nonprofits Habitat for Humanity of Laredo and the Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC). PlumbFix has gained ground raising almost $8,000 in the first few days of a fundraising blitz. Its organizers are challenging Laredoans to contribute to the worthwhile effort that will assist veterans, the elderly, and families of District VIII.
”The more we raise, the more we can help,” said Tricia Cortez, executive director of RGISC.
Habitat for Humanity will administer the effort with100% of donations going toward the initiative to restore the flow of clean, potable water into homes. The organization is also coordinating the site visits and assessments of master plumbers.
“When Habitat was asked to be part of this initiative, it was an easy decision because we know that District VIII has a vulnerable population of many living in poverty. Many of the homes in the district are old and have water delivery infrastructure that is aged. There is great need in parts of the district to address poverty housing,” said Carol Sherwood, executive director of Habitat for Humanity.
“It has been Habitat’s short and long term goals to help in parts of the city with elderly and low income populations,” Sherwood continued. “We are hoping for greater understanding that there is tremendous need within the city limits and throughout Webb County for this type of assistance. There are many who have no means to make this type of necessary repair, that of bringing water into the home for health and hygiene. We hope there will be other relief, especially through the federal government, but that will take time. We are asking the community to come together to help not only in District VIII, but also across the city and the county.”
District VIII homeowners are encouraged to call Habitat at (956) 724-3227 to begin the process of applying and qualifying for assistance based on income requirements.
Broken pipes left behind by the winter storm have intensified
the economic distress that many in the community were already experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Council member Cigarroa said, adding that PlumbFix will prioritize emergency pipe repair that poses a risk to the life, health, or safety of the homeowner.
To provide as much assistance as possible to those in need, PlumbFix is challenging the community to participate in its fundraising blitz.
Donations can be made via:
- Go Fund Me at bit.ly/LaredoPipeRepair
- Checks can be made to RGISC with the note “PlumbFix” and mailed to 1 West End WashingtonStreet, Bldg. P-11, Laredo, TX 78041
