News & Events

M.A.R.C. East Lake Baptist Church; Detroit, MI

Description:

This MARC (Multi-Agency Resource Center) is a continuation of the Flood Assistance MARC from August 30th to September 2nd, 2021 at St. Vincent DePaul in Detroit that was postponed due to a positive COVID case. The original flooding took place in late June of 2021 in Wayne County, Michigan.
The resource center was in the basketball court of the East Lake Baptist Church in Detroit. Flood assistance was in this open area with various agencies set up at tables around the perimeter. Intake information was taken by volunteers from St. Vincent DePaul. Other agencies represented were: FEMA, Small Business Administration, American Red Cross, VOAD and Gleaners. Not all tables were staffed with representatives. The environment was stable and organized as claimants from the flood area came into the church. The foot traffic was very light and sometimes several individuals coming in at the same time. There was a lot of down time, however, we would get busy and meet with several neighbors at once. One HOPE team was sufficient. We were stationed in the open waiting area of the basketball court with all of the other agencies. There were approximately 24 visitors per day including the personnel at the MARC.
Most visitors at the resource center wanted a visit from the K-9 in the waiting area after we introduced ourselves. We visited the personnel from the various agencies when they had vacancies at their tables. Our assignment was on September 20, 2021 and September 21, 2021. We began at 10:00 a.m. and left by 4:00 p.m. Those affected by the flood were delighted and encouraged to see a comfort dog for the first time. Most had sustained property losses in the basement area of their homes including appliances like the hot water heater, furnace, washer and dryer. Several experienced black mold growing in wet areas and needed sanitation of these areas as well as general cleanup after water/sewer backup issues.

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