Week 6: The “Do More” Dilemma – Detroit Community-Engaged Research Program

Week 6: The “Do More” Dilemma

This week I took a break from my usual projects at HOPE Village and spent some time working on a new, more pressing issue; the recent flooding in the HOPE Village (and all around the city of Detroit). I spent hours looking at all of the reports that were filed to the city in our district, as well as going over the reports that were filed to my organization. I then put each address that reported flooding on a map, so that we could see which streets in our neighborhood were hit the hardest/if there were any trends.

Some of the photos and requests from the residents were heartbreaking. Photos of flooded basements filled with people’s possessions, family items, and more all sitting in 3-5 feet of water. A few of the reports were captioned with just one word, “Help.” 

I have done community work before, albeit different from HOPE Village, and I have felt the feeling, “I wish I could do more to help.” Oftentimes, that is simply not possible; I can’t go clean out sewage water from the basements of dozens of residents. It is important, however, to focus on what I can do or to ask my mentors what they think would be most helpful. 

2 thoughts on “Week 6: The “Do More” Dilemma”

  1. Hey! Yeah, the flooding is super heartbreaking. My family and I are also dealing with the aftermath currently. However, what you’re doing is super helpful!! I know it may be hard to see but keep up the good work. You’re doing amazing. Have you noticed any trends?

  2. Hey Josie, that sounds like really exhausting and important work. I definitely get the feeling of wishing I could do more too and have been trying to work on a work-life balance. I’m confident you and your mentors will come up with a game plan to effectively and quickly help residents! you’ve got this!

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