Warriors in the Community is a radio segment that features short, insightful interviews with key figures from Wayne State University about the many ways in which the university and its programs make a positive impact on the metro area and on the lives of Detroiters. 

This episode features Richard Smith, Professor and Associate Dean for Research in the School of Social Work, discussing his role as principal investigator for the Recovering from Expected Flooding Under Residential Buildings (REFURB) project. REFURB will use technology to improve recovery from and preparation for persistent and increasing severe basement flooding that impacts homes on the eastside of Detroit.

Announcer:  This is Warriors in the Community, brought to you by Wayne State University. And now, to learn about how Wayne State is positively impacting our communities, here's Darrell Dawsey.

Darrell Dawsey: Today, I'm joined by School of Social Work Associate Dean for Research and Professor Richard Smith, who's here to discuss his role in a much needed Detroit residential improvement project called REFERB.

So, tell us what REFERB stands for and what the program aims to do.

Richard Smith: This program stands for Recovering from Expected Flooding Under Residential Buildings. And we were funded by the National Science Foundation to work with the community to plan on what to do next to make sure that folks don't get their basements flooded again. 

Darrell Dawsey: Now, why does the problem persist?

Richard Smith: Because Detroiters love their historic homes. But they don't necessarily have the income needed to keep up with all of the repairs. Likewise, the plumbing underneath the streets is as old as the homes, and the amount of repairs needed in the water system also is not enough to catch up with the increase in the rainfall.

Darrell Dawsey: So REFERB steps in and does what?

Richard Smith: We worked with Eastside Community Network, Jefferson East, and the United Way to bring together about 30 residents once a month to do a little bit of science education and then just plan and brainstorm what to do next.

Darrell Dawsey: Can you perhaps share with us an example of how REFERB's work has made a positive impact on the real lives of the Detroiters who are affected by flooding?

Richard Smith: Yeah, one of the residents said, 'Hey, can we get a flood alarm, just like a smoke alarm?' And I Googled it and it turns out you can go down to Ace Hardware or Home Depot and get these things. And I got one myself because sometimes I get a little flooding.  And that, you know, so now Eastside Community Network, if you go to an event, sometimes they'll pass out, raffle off these flood detectors.

Darrell Dawsey: Richard Smith, thank you so much for talking to us about the important work that you do.

Announcer: This has been Warriors in the Community. For more Wayne State news, please visit us online at today. wayne.edu/WWJ and join us here next Monday at the same time for more Warriors in the Community.