It’s time to put boots on the ground in Greater Detroit to help with the clean-up after flooding last weekend. Here are two opportunities for volunteers able to serve. 

The Michigan Conference is a member of Michigan Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), an association of organizations that mitigate and alleviate disasters. Michigan United Methodists (either individually or in teams)  interested in assisting with immediate response are encouraged to volunteer with our Michigan VOAD partners.

One of those partners, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) has organized a community-wide interfaith effort, July 2-4, to help families affected by the recent flooding in Greater Detroit.

Michigan Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, Dan O’Malley, states, “I was part of the MI VOAD call yesterday when the LDS leader was outlining their plan to bring a truck and equipment to the area. They have two pumps to suck water from basements and a lot of equipment.” He adds the plan was endorsed by MI VOAD.

Coordinators of the weekend effort describe the need. “Heavy rains in the Detroit area have led to extensive flooding in many neighborhoods from Westland and Livonia on the west side of the Detroit metro area, stretching across to Grosse Pointe Woods on the east. It is estimated that between 1,000 and 3,000 homes are affected and will require some form of remediation. In some cases, this will involve removing water and/or mud from basements. In other cases, it will involve the removal of drywall and other debris. The sooner we remove the water, mud, and drywall, the higher the likelihood of preventing the onset of mold and other complications in the homes.” Dan O’Malley reported on June 30, that 1,300 homes have been tagged for “crisis clean-up.”

Volunteers are needed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of this week, July 2, 3, and 4. Click here for a flyer with full details.  

Those interested in helping should go to the Dearborn church building, located at 20201 Rotunda, Dearborn, MI 48124. There, individuals will be assigned to a team of up to ten volunteers and will be sent to two or three homes to assist with the cleanup. Volunteers may arrive at the Dearborn building as early as 8:00 a.m. each day. Work assignments will be given up to 4:00 p.m. each day. Call or email Daniel Heaton with questions you might have: 313-805-3964 or at [email protected]. 

Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own tools and supplies, if possible, marked with their name:

Gloves, boots, hammers and/or crowbars to assist in removing drywall, sharp knives or razor type box cutters to cut through drywall,  5-gallon buckets, shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows. Also, bring bottles of water to keep hydrated and snacks to maintain energy. 

Anyone who feels at-risk and desires to wear a mask should feel free to do so and should bring their own masks.   

This flyer has all information and may be used in volunteer recruitment.

Dan O’Malley adds that those wishing to volunteer may also sign up for service through the United Way Daily Volunteer Registration. Click here.

Those wishing to volunteer may also sign up for service through the United Way Daily Volunteer Registration. Click here.

Those with questions about volunteer service with these Michigan VOAD partners may contact Dan O’Malley at 616-915-6301 or [email protected].

Can’t volunteer on-site? These are important things you can do now to help your neighbors in need:

• Donate to the Michigan Conference Disaster Response Fund. To donate by check, please mail to Michigan Conference at 1161 East Clark Road, Suite 212, DeWitt, MI 48820. It is important to include this exact language in the memo: #4407 Michigan Area Disaster Response. Those wishing to make a donation online may do so here.
• Assemble Flood Buckets (Cleaning Kits). Click here for instructions on supplies and assembly.

Last Updated on November 1, 2023