FLINT (DTV) – (06/08/18) – On Monday April 10th, people lined up along Dort highway in Flint waiting to receive their final cases of free water after the state closed the distribution pods. The state’s decision to close the water pods was based on tests that said the water was well within federal standards. Even though the tests say the water is fine, some think differently.
“We matter! And so the state is responsible for cleaning up what they did. We don’t want them to do anything for us, but we are citizens, we pay taxes, and we are entitled for them to correct in totality the mistake that they made.” said Flint Councilwoman, Monica Galloway
The people of Flint are clearly stressed, and spoke out about the state’s decision, many still not believing that the water is safe to drink, since not all the pipes have been replaced.
Representatives from Michigan United, along with several activist groups, came together at a press conference on April 9th to help project the citizen’s anger, as well as voice their demands.
“Citizens demand the state reopen Flint water pods and maintain citywide distribution until water infrastructure updates are completed at least. Flint residents demand that the state include in its budget bottled water for residents, and comprehensive testing for all residents in Flint.” said Carly Hammond, a Michigan United Representative.
They also demanded Medicaid expansion to cover anyone who lived or worked in Flint since 2014, and an end to the Emergency Manager Law that caused the crisis.
“In spite of what they say where the lead levels were before, you did wrong! There was evidence of you doing wrong. So take us back to where we were before you did those things.’ said Galloway
They also expressed their distaste for the MDEQ’s contract with Nestle and demanded it be reversed, while calling for a boycott of all Nestle products. After appeals from the mayor and citizens, the water pods remain closed.
There are some areas in Flint that are continuing to help the people of Flint with bottled water.
Water from the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan will be distributed through their help centers. You can find those by going here https://flintcares.com/helpcenters/
You can find more information on the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan’s website https://www.fbem.org/how-to-help/help-flint/
There are also three help centers at local Flint churches. Locations and service times are:
— Bethel United Methodist Church at 1309 N. Ballenger Highway, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays.
— Asbury United Methodist Church at 1653 Davison Road, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays.
— Greater Holy Temple COGIC at 6702 N. Dort Highway, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays.