Multiple media outlets reported on Tuesday that a nonprofit created by Birmingham Water Works to help customers pay their water bills had run out of money. Now, the organization is saying that the story is incorrect.
The story, written by Heather Gann, first appeared in The Birmingham Lede's December 6 edition. The Birmingham News produces the Birmingham Lede.
AL.com then picked up the story, uploading it online and attributing it to The Lede.
In the story, Gann claimed the H2O Foundation, created to help customers in need pay for their Birmingham Water Works water and sewer bills, confirmed in an interview that it was out of funds for 2022.
Gann quoted H2O Executive Director Jamekia Bies as saying, "Unfortunately, the foundation is out of funds for the year."
In a Facebook post, a representative from the H2O Foundation said that Gann's article was "incorrect."
"The H2O Foundation is not out of funding," the post read. "We are doing all that we can to meet the needs of our community. If you need us, please give us a call. If you would like to assist us in helping more people in need, check the box on your water bill or visit our website and click donate today. Help us make a difference in someone's life."
Per H2O's website, it is a separate entity from the Birmingham Water Works, administered by the Salvation Army and funded by contributions from Water Works customers, community partners and employees.
H2O recipients must meet certain income or situational guidelines to qualify.
1819 News reached out to the H2O Foundation for comment but did not receive a response.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email will.blakely@1819news.com or find him on Twitter and Facebook.
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