DETROIT – Detroit City Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero represents Southwest Detroit and talked with Local 4 about the water main break.
Romero says the city is behind on the infrastructure repairs needed to prevent such situations that occurred on Monday (Feb. 17).
“I was in middle school when I understood that climate change was going to be an issue (and) that we have aging infrastructure that we need to address,” said Romero.
Romero also discussed encouraging residents to trust the city’s resources, especially in a community with a large Hispanic population.
“It’s really about reminding people that they can trust the city (and) that we are here to help,” Romero said. “We are here to work with you. We are not asking anyone about any kind of immigration status. We are fully providing these resources, please take advantage of them.”
Romero is referring to resources like free lodging at a Metro Detroit hotel.
Meanwhile, families have been reaching out to communities via social media, which gave an overwhelming response to those affected.
Many people donated what they could to help their neighbors, including one Downriver community on Facebook who, along with many others, unloaded two trucks full of clothes, food, water, shoes, and toiletries to displaced residents at The Hampton Inn Hotel Southfield.
Police from Detroit and Dearborn spent Tuesday conducting door-to-door assessments to understand the needs of affected residents.
A Detroiters Helping Each Other member actively distributes emergency supplies such as dog food and blankets as well.
And despite the overwhelming stress, the community’s efforts to support one another provided a glimmer of hope.
--> Water main break that flooded SW Detroit neighborhood spurs community aid