Michigan Governor Rick Snyder declared a State of Emergency on Tuesday, January 5, for Flint and Genesee County in support of Flint Mayor Karen Weaver’s request, as a result of the ongoing contaminated drinking water crisis).
The damage is widespread and significant. All water for drinking and cooking must be filtered in order to be safe.
Even though Flint is reconnected with Detroit water, the corrosion that occurred from using the Flint River water source and the state’s failure to manage that corrosion (many areas of the city have lead pipes, as do many homes in Flint and Flint Twp.,) have resulted in toxic levels of lead contamination.
This water crisis will be an on-going issue. There is no way to determine when Flint will have safe water. Nearly 100,000 people are affected.
Pastor Ellen spoke with ELCA Pastor Monica Villarreal, Salem Lutheran Church/ Flint yesterday. She said any help we can give is appreciated. Therefore,
- we will begin collecting water this weekend, January 17.
- we will also take a special offering on Sunday, January 31.
All donations should be delivered to Faith Lutheran Church and Pastor Ellen will find a truck to use when we have enough water to deliver to Salem Lutheran Church.
Pastor Monica said there are many ways we can help and become involved:
- Raise awareness about the issue! (and spread the word).
- Water drives! Donate bottles/jugs of water for Salem to distribute to the community. Email: salemflintpastor@gmail.com to set up logistics.
- Donate financially so that Salem can purchase and distribute water filters that are NSF certified for lead removal. (filters are approximately $30) Write “FILTERS” on the memo line of your check.
- Salem Lutheran’s infrastructure and water is affected. Financial donations would greatly assist the church with replacing water pipes and getting a filtration system. With safe water at Salem, the community can fill water jugs with safe water. Write “FAUCETS” on the memo line of your check.
Donations may be sent to:Salem Water
c/o Southeast Michigan Synod
8115 E. Jefferson Ave.
Detroit, MI 48214 - Speak with your political representatives to advocate for State and Federal resources to address this crisis, both short term and long term.