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 Monica Villarreal, Salem Lutheran Church/ Flint recently shared this information with the Southeast Michigan Synod Office:
There are many ways you and/or your congregation can become involved:
1) Raise awareness about the issue! (and spread the word).
2) Water drives! Donate bottles/jugs of water for Salem to distribute to the community. Email: salemflintpastor@gmail.com to set up logistics.
3) 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 or Donate Online.
4) 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
5) Speak with your political representatives to advocate for State and Federal resources to address this crisis, both short term and long term.
Benefit Concert/Worship at Holy Trinity in Livonia
Living Water Ministries and Holy Trinity in Livonia will be hosting a benefit concert/wishop and activities/games to raise awareness and support for the the Flint water crisis. The event will take place on January 30 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Livonia from 3 to 6pm. Holy Trinity is also collecting jugs of water on site from 9am to 5pm. A $20 donation is suggested and 100% of the funds collected will be routed to Salem Lutheran in Flint, via the Southeast Michigan Synod. Contact mash@holytrinitylivonia.org for more information.
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