Wayne State University and the city of Detroit are inextricably linked — that's why, when devastating floods swept through southwest Detroit last month, Wayne State AmeriCorps Urban Safety Program students sprang into action. On Feb. 26, students led a large-scale supply distribution effort, providing much-needed essentials such as non-perishable food, bottled water, cleaning supplies, hygiene products and pet necessities to more than 400 impacted households. The students' work is a testament to the university’s commitment to community engagement as a focus area of its strategic plan.
At the students' request, donations poured in from local organizations, underscoring the collective effort behind the initiative. Forgotten Harvest provided food assistance, while the Michigan Humane Society contributed pet supplies. Financial support from Marathon Petroleum, the Ambassador Bridge company, and the Gordie Howe International Bridge helped fuel the relief efforts, allowing the AmeriCorps team to extend their reach.
The flooding, caused by a 54-inch water main break, forced families to flee as water rushed into homes and streets. Many residents had little time to react, resorting to makeshift solutions, with some wading through freezing floodwaters with garbage bags tied around their feet.
Among those stepping up to help was Noorjahan Nasrin, a social work major and AmeriCorps member. For Nasrin, the call to serve was personal.
“When I heard about the flooding in southwest Detroit, I knew I wanted to help in any way possible,” Nasrin said. “The opportunity to directly assist struggling families resonated with me because my community supported my family when we needed it most.”
In the days leading up to the supply distribution, AmeriCorps members worked tirelessly to organize the event, gather donations, and spread the word to those in need. Their efforts culminated in a relief event at La SED Senior and Youth Center in southwest Detroit.
“Our members took on multiple roles — coordinating supply logistics, reaching out to community partners, and ensuring that every family who came for help left with the resources they needed,” said Moriom Khatun, a public health major and AmeriCorps member. “It was inspiring to see so many hands working together for a common goal.”
For Wayne State’s AmeriCorps program, this effort is part of a long-standing commitment to serve the southwest Detroit community.
“Through our grant with the Gordie Howe International Bridge company, we’ve been heavily invested in the 48209 ZIP code area since early last year,” said Ramona Rodriguez-Washington, program director and research assistant in the Center for Urban Studies. “As soon as we learned about the flooding, our members and community residents alerted us to the urgent need. By Monday night, we were already in discussions with State Rep. Tyrone Carter’s office and local organizations to organize a response.”
For many students, the experience of working on the frontlines of disaster relief has been impactful.
“This has been an eye-opening experience,” Khatun said. “Hearing about a community’s struggles is one thing but witnessing them firsthand is entirely different. It changes your perspective and deepens your commitment to helping others.”
By Darlene A. White