On April 7, 2018, following the MDEQ release of water quality data, the State of Michigan announced the discontinued resource of bottled water for Flint residents. The United Way of Genesee County (UWGC) believes everyone has a right to clean safe drinking water. The most sustainable and long-lasting source for Flint residents to access clean safe water, until all the pipes are replaced, is sink filter usage. The United Way encourages residents to contact CORE (810.238.6700) for filter education and replacement unit needs.
While UWGC encourages the use of filters, it also recognizes many residents rely on bottled water as their clean water source. The United Way of Genesee County will use all funds raised through its Flint Water Fund are for the purchase and distribution of bottled water; filtration devices not supplied by the State of Michigan; and, health access for children affected by lead. United Way will use 100% of the funds for this purpose with no Administrative Fee assessed.
Purchased water will be delivered to the three community Help Centers – Greater Holy Temple, Asbury United Methodist and Bethel United Methodist – via the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan and Schools within the City of Flint.
Commodity Donation Statement:
The United Way of Genesee County is unable to provide funding for the shipment of donated water to Flint. All dollars raised for the Flint Water Fund will be used to purchase water in mass quantities through the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. Individuals that are able to bring bottled water to Flint for donation will be directed in the following manner:
- Donations of water on pallets will be directed to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. The Food Bank will deliver the pallets to the three community Help Centers located at Greater Holy Temple, Asbury United Methodist and Bethel United Methodist.
- Donations of loose cases of water (non-pallet) will be directed to the organizations that have been delivering water to homebound individuals by way of the Access and Functional Needs program. These organizations are:
- Veterans of NOW
- NOW Ministries
- Second Chance Church
- Prince of Peace
- Salem Lutheran
Updated: 11/16/2018
