Oasis Utility Bill

Oasis is a program to help those going through financial hardship with their Cary utility bill. Assistance is provided by way of donations from other utility customers.

The program is administered through a partnership between Cary and NeighborUp (formerly Dorcas Ministries Crisis Ministry), a local non-profit organization that helps people in need get back on their feet. Donating is quick and easy. Contributions are tax-deductible.

The Need

About 3,600 utility accounts with Cary are overdue each month. While paying late is a chronic problem for some customers, others find them themselves in difficulty for the first time and merely need a little one-time assistance.

Although most bills do get paid, significant delays and service disconnection often occur. The time spent collecting these bills and the lost interest revenue from Cary accounts cost all of us.

How Oasis Works

Cary accepts one-time or regular donations from utility customers and passes all the money to NeighborUp. The money can only be used for a Cary utility bill.

NeighborUp crisis counselors interview applicants to determine available assistance.

Lowering Your Taxes

If you itemize deductions for your state and federal income taxes, you may deduct Oasis donations. Keep your utility bill statements to document donations or call us after the end of the calendar year. We’ll send a statement totaling your donations for the calendar year. On your tax returns, list Cary as the recipient of the donation.

How to Help

To contribute monthly with your utility payment:

Call 311 anywhere within town limits, (919) 469-4000, e-mail 311@carync.gov, or send a note with your next payment. Ask us to set up a recurring donation of as little as .50 cents a month or $1, $2, $5, $10 – whatever dollar amount you choose.

To make a
one-time contribution:

Include the donation with your next utility payment or mail it separately to:

Cary, NC Finance Department
P.O. Box 8049
Cary, NC 27512

How to Get Help

Call NeighborUp at (919) 469-9861 or visit neighborup.org.

Contact

For questions or more information, dial 311 anywhere within town limits, or (919) 469-4000 outside Cary, or email 311@carync.gov.