Hello Again, Beloved Community, back again with another blog and hoping you all are staying safe. Let me start by saying that Detroit Water and Sewerage Department has more than one program to assist people who are having trouble paying their water bills. DO NOT MISTAKE THIS FOR AFFORDABILITY- IT IS NOT THE SAME! Assistance may start off helping temporarily and in few cases ay give the belief if solving the issue.
Let me state this- assistance is not the answer AFFORDABILITY IS THE ONLY WAY without water affordability we will see privatization; commodification; and systemically racist rationing of our water and water systems. Our water department will decide that if you cannot afford their continually increasing rates; are not someone that is deemed dispensable in the eyes of the water czars will be easily eliminated causing a “Dehydration Desert”, this should not occur anywhere but especially not in the Great Lake state. We must work together to save our very existence and fight for affordability for all.
Only a clear, income-based water affordability plan will accomplish this.
To find out more Contact us at http://www.peopleswaterboard.org, our FaceBook page; Twitter, or Instagram. THE PEOPLE’S WATER BOARD COALITION TURN THE WATER ON, KEEP THE WATER ON! WE NEED WATER AFFORDABILITY! with your thoughts and ideas, and subscribe to this blog. Until next time, keep your head above water!
Nicole Hill is a directly impacted resident of Detroit, a member of the People’s Water Board and Michigan Welfare Rights Organization, and a Tri-chair for the Poor People’s Campaign. She is a mother of 7 and is devoted to combating poverty on all levels through her work in water affordability and social change