Charlotte County Utilities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
(941) 764-4300 ~ (800) 524-3494 ~ TDD: (941) 764-4535
HeartShip Program
What is the HeartShip program?
The one thing no one can do without is water. At one time or another, a member of our community may be faced with a period of personal or family crisis and not have sufficient money to pay their utility bill. Charlotte County Utilities, in partnership with the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners and Charlotte County Health & Human Services, is proud to offer HeartShip — a community participation program. Its goal is to establish and maintain a fund from which qualifying Utility customers may be helped by the charitable contributions of people who care.
Who administers the program?
HeartShip funds are administered by the County's Health & Human Services Department, in cooperation with CCU's Customer Service Division. Health & Human Services will certify a recipient's need and qualification to receive assistance. The Clerk of the Circuit Court provides the financial oversight for all County funds.
How do I contribute?
You may contribute with your utility bill payment. Complete the area designated for "HeartShip Donation" on the top right hand corner of your bill, add your donation to the total amount of your utility payment and mail or bring your check, including the donated amount, and your stub as you normally do. If you pay by cash in person, we will give you a receipt for your donation immediately.
What if I use EZ-Pay to pay my bill online?
If you pay your bill through EZ-Pay, it is not currently possible to automatically withdraw contributions from your bank account. However, it is still easy to contribute to the HeartShip program. Complete the top right hand corner of your CCU bill, write a check for the amount you wish to donate, made payable to "CCU HeartShip Program" and mail the check and stub to CCU.
Are my contributions tax deductible?
Yes. All contributions to the HeartShip Program are tax deductible.
What if I'm not a CCU customer, but wish to help?
Any person or organization wishing to add their contribution to this fund may do so by making their check payable to "CCU HeartShip Program," enclosing their name, company name, address, and telephone number. All contributions are welcome.
Who can receive HeartShip Assistance?
To be eligible for HeartShip Assistance, the recipient must:
• Be a customer in Charlotte County Utilities' service area.
• Have received an Urgent Notice for disconnection of service or have been disconnected for non-payment of their resident home's utility bill.
• Provide documentation of what caused an emergency situation that was beyond the household’s control.
• Not exceed 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Income guidelines.
• Individuals who qualify in one household may not qualify as a separate household.
What are the Program's limitations?
• HeartShip Assistance may be granted to eligible households only once over the course of five years.
• Maximum household limit for assistance is $90
• Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis
