February's reputation as a month of love and kindness in Oklahoma City is being bolstered by the Utilities Department's Help 2 Others (H2O) program, urging residents to offer a helping hand to neighbors in need. Coinciding with National Random Acts of Kindness Day, OKC Utilities is encouraging customers to round up their monthly water bills to the nearest dollar—a simple act that can have a meaningful impact on the lives of struggling families and individuals, as reported by the City of Oklahoma City.
The H2O initiative provides one-off financial aid to help customers maintain their access to water. In a statement obtained by City of Oklahoma City, Utilities Customer Service Superintendent Michelle Lisenby highlighted the urgency of the program, noting, "Every month, hundreds of customers, many of which are families, struggle to pay their water bill, yet only a small percentage of our customers contribute to Help 2 Others. We would love to see more people to join in—because even a little bit can make a big difference for the program."
Launched through a partnership with the Salvation Army in 2002, the program is funded entirely by donations from customers. According to the City of Oklahoma City, Utilities customers raised over $113,000 in 2024 to support the cause. Given Oklahoma State law's restriction against municipal utilities from using ratepayer funds for direct financial assistance, Help 2 Others stands out as a crucial resource for those in need.
Customers can participate by rounding up their water bill, setting up a specific donation amount regularly, or opting for a single donation when convenient. "Our community is strongest when we look out for one another," Lisenby told the City of Oklahoma City. "A small donation can be life-changing for someone facing hardship—a senior on a fixed income, a single parent working hard to get by or a neighbor who just needs temporary help." Donations go into a fund administered by the Central Oklahoma Area Command of the Salvation Army, ensuring that 100 percent of contributions directly assist local utility customers.
To sign up for H2O, OKC Utilities customers can use their online account at okcutilities.com, the MyOKCUtilities mobile app, or check the "Round It Up" box on their paper water bill. For those who prefer to register by phone, calling (405) 297-2833 will connect customers with a service representative prepared to assist, as per the City of Oklahoma City.
