Union Reaches out to Immigrants in Flint Water Crisis
Laborers 1191 Reaches out to Immigrant Community during Flint Water Crisis
Local 1191 donates truckload of water to community in crisis
FLINT, Michigan – Over the weekend, Laborers Local 1191 donated sanitizer and 7 pallets of water to Flint’s major Latino-serving organization. The shipment was aimed at helping Latino immigrants who have been hesitant to seek out public assistance since it was announced that the public water system contained high levels of lead.
“We are grateful to the members of the Laborers union who are helping out our Latino neighbors.” said Juana Olivares of the Genesee County Hispanic/Latino Collaborative. The group has been providing water, filters and advocacy for people in Flint who have faced barriers to clean water because language or documentation proving their residency.
“We want to look out for everyone affected by this disaster, especially our Latino brothers and sisters.” said Michael Aaron, Business Manager for local 1199. “As terrible as this has been, it’s an opportunity for everyone to recognize that an injury to one is an injury to all.”
Flint residents have been dependent on bottled water since it was announced in December that the public water supply was contaminated with lead as a result of the Emergency Manager’s decision to use the Flint River as a new source of drinking water in order to save money.
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Olivares says the collaborative is still seeking donations. Bottled water is being collected for distribution at Woodside Church, 1508 East Court st. Flint, MI 48503.
Michigan United is a broad, statewide coalition working to reform our broken immigration system, advance housing justice, protect the rights of low-wage workers and develop leadership.
Find more information at Michigan United’s website: www.miunited.org
Union Reaches out to Immigrants in Flint Water Crisis was originally published on wchbnewsdetroit.com
