Debbie from United Way of Southwest Michigan updates us on the new centralized water distribution site and schedule for the City of Benton Harbor, and how you can volunteer at uwsm.org.
Benton Harbor water distribution centralized at high school with regular weekly schedule
United Way of Southwest Michigan continues to recruit volunteers to help with distribution.
As of Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, water distribution to Benton Harbor residents has been centralized at Benton Harbor High School, 870 Colfax Ave. Cases of water bottles will be distributed every week at the following times:
- MONDAYS
12-2 p.m. | 4-6 p.m.
- TUESDAYS
12-2 p.m. | 4-6 p.m.
- WEDNESDAYS
12-2 p.m. | 4-6 p.m.
- THURSDAYS
12-2 p.m. | 4-6 p.m.
- FRIDAYS
No distribution today
- SATURDAYS
12-2 p.m. | 2-4 p.m. | 4-6 p.m.
- SUNDAYS
2-4 p.m. | 4-6 p.m.
Self-service distribution will also be held Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. at Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency Warehouse, 331 Miller Street, Benton Harbor.
For a shareable link of the distribution schedule, visit:
uwsm.org/benton-harbor-water-distribution-schedule.
United Way of Southwest Michigan is recruiting volunteers for shifts.
To volunteer, sign up at uwsm.org.
Volunteer shifts begin a half hour before the distribution time slot and end a half hour after the distribution time slot for setup and cleanup.
Since September 30, 2021, bottled water has been provided to the residents of Benton Harbor following reports of elevated levels of lead in the city-supplied water. The State of Michigan is providing the free bottled water as city residents are being encouraged to use bottled water for cooking, drinking, brushing teeth, rinsing foods, and mixing powdered infant formula.
In October, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services asked United Way of Southwest Michigan to help manage volunteer staffing of emergency water bottle distribution sites in Benton Harbor. Since then, UWSM has been mobilizing volunteers from throughout Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties for this effort—and will continue to do so as long as needed.
The decision to centralize distribution at Benton Harbor High School was made primarily to better accommodate the large trucks that are delivering the water, especially when snow comes and the parking lot there will be more reliably plowed than some of the previous distribution sites.
“We’re in this for the long haul—and there will be ongoing need for volunteers for some time to come,” said Debbie Ramirez, Volunteer Engagement Director of United Way of Southwest Michigan. “Simplifying distribution at one place at the same times every week makes it easier for recipients and volunteers alike to plan, and we’re hoping volunteers take advantage of this opportunity to serve our community during a time of great need.”
No matter your vaccination status, MDHHS is requiring all volunteers to complete and successfully pass a COVID-19 screener. This screener ensures every individual is healthy enough to work their scheduled shift and helps keep other volunteers, site members, and water recipients safe. Residents are asked to remain in their cars, so volunteers will not come face-to-face with others. However, all volunteers are asked to wear a mask.
This is a very physical volunteer request. 24-packs of water bottles are being distributed, which are heavy. If you have physical limitations, please note this and UWSM will place you in traffic control or registration of participants.
ABOUT UNITED WAY OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN
United Way of Southwest Michigan fights for the Health, Education, and Financial Stability of every person in every community. We have the influence and relationships to make sustainable change a reality. By harnessing resources from corporate, nonprofit, and public partners, we provide immediate assistance to our most vulnerable populations while addressing the root causes of our community’s longstanding challenges and changing lives for the better. To join the fight—through giving, advocacy, and volunteering—visit uwsm.org.
