AmeriCorps Climate READY

AmeriCorps Climate R.E.A.D.Y program
by AmeriCorps Member Tavi

The AmeriCorps Climate R.E.A.D.Y Program provides unique, hands-on services to residents in Detroit who bear the consequences of yearly worsening urban climate change. As a member of this program, we see these persisting issues every day. Concerned residents are consistently calling the office phone with hope in their voices to inquire about our free services. Oftentimes, they express the repercussions of living in flood zones and the health issues they experience. Mold grows in their basements as a result of the poor infrastructure, accompanied by living in 100 year-old historic homes. Moreover, the residents that call our line are typically retired elderly citizens who cannot afford to do extensive work on their homes by themselves - whether it be due to financial or health reasons.

 Another day-to-day activity that we partake in as members of the Climate R.E.A.D.Y Program is leafleting in Detroit neighborhoods. As we walk through these streets, it is extremely evident that many of the homes do not have the proper infrastructure to withstand the effects of climate change. We see common problems like homes with missing downspouts, homes that have no gutter extensions, foundations that have cracks which allow water to seep into the basement, causing mildew which result in mold growth, and other issues.  Recently, we visited two homes in the Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood. They were built by a couple a century ago and are currently owned by the couple’s great-grandchildren. Upon visiting their home, we were able to inspect the basement of the duplex. While showing us around the property, the homeowner pointed out that their home suffered greatly due to the floods that occurred the year prior. They claimed their home was filled with six feet worth of water, and they were forced to rip out and replace everything in their basement. These included thousands of dollars worth of valuables. The homeowner was distraught as he recalled the events that he and his sister suffered from flood. He carefully pointed out the mold that grew in various areas of their basement and the rotting support beams that had to be replaced as the rainwater caused it to rust. He also took us around the perimeter of the house and pointed out the areas of their roof that leaked onto the sidewalk. His sister, whom he lives with, also requires ADA accommodations. She had to purchase a new stairlift as the other one was destroyed by the flood.   While we are not able to supply them with everything they require to renovate their basement, the Climate R.E.A.D.Y program had a successful walkthrough of their home and saw where we can assist. For this home specifically, we will be able to provide them with an air purifier, a dehumidifier, gutter extensions, downspouts where they are missing, flood guards, and other resources from the City of Detroit. We will be able to also provide them with a rain garden as well as a rain barrel to make their home more sustainable and resistant to the effects of climate change. Although we only performed an initial walkthrough, the homeowner already expressed his deepest gratitude towards us and the service we will be able to offer for him and his sister.  

With our help, their hope to remain living in their historic family home for decades is restored. Moreover, they will be able to comfortably live in their homes without the fear of experiencing another flood that their homes cannot withstand. With the help of the Climate R.E.A.D.Y. Program citizens will be able to remain residents of Detroit.