ODESSA, Texas — The West Odessa Water Warriors were established in June, but they’ve already been working to fulfill their goal.
“It's a nonprofit group that was created to try to get the many, many, many citizens out in West Odessa that don't have water hooked up to running water,” said Michele Lee Spinks, a community advocate with West Odessa Water Warriors.
They say West Odessa is the largest Colonia in Texas, which is a term used for unincorporated housing developments or communities that can often lack basic services such as drinking water, sewage treatment and paved roads.
“We've had people, you know, they don't understand that we actually pay for our dumpsters out here, not like in town or it's a part of your water service. You know, we are on a different water service industry,” said Spinks.
They’ve been recognized by the state, but there was one more thing they needed to get done.
“We needed to file our 10-23 IRS tax exemption, that was on our last step because we've already been formulated as a board and approved by the state. So that's our last step, but it's a hefty fee of $600,” said Spinks.
So, they turned to the community and thanks to a brisket fundraiser they held they were able to achieve that goal.
The organization is still making a website, but they say people can still reach out to them via their Facebook page or Next Door page.