Flint residents still need help with water crisis

A year ago, the residents of Flint, Michigan learned their water was contaminated with toxic levels of lead. Unfiltered water was unsafe to drink.

Now one year later, the city continues to replace pipes and residents still need clean water to drink, cook and bathe.

Michigan State University Extension has released a list of resources related to fighting lead with nutrition. In addition, charities have been assisting Flint residents since January and need more support in their efforts.

Convoy of Hope has procured, distributed and donated more than 300 truckloads of bottled water to the city. The organization has partnered with several local churches and food shelters to deliver the water. There are distribution points where residents can drive through and volunteers load up their cars with water. Several churches also go door-to-door to handout water. You can support Convoy of Hope’s mission through monetary donations.

The Flint Child Health & Development Fund is focused on the long-term medical and educational needs of children affected by the water crisis. According to Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, a pediatrician at Hurley Children’s Hospital in Flint, lead poisoning affects cognition, can lower a child’s IQ and may also cause behavioral problems.

Save the Children is assisting families and child care providers with children from newborn to 8 years old and pregnant women by making sure they have access to healthy food and early childhood development programs. The organization has helped more than 11,000 people in Flint, including more than 3,000 children.

The Flint Water Fund has a dedicated driver who distributes water throughout the city every day. The organization is still accepting donations to help purchase more water filters and bottled water.

Catholic Charities of Genesee County is accepting donations of bottled water and filters as well as clothing and personal hygiene products.