In May 2020, communities in central Michigan experienced one of the state’s most significant flood events in decades. After several days of heavy rainfall, the Edenville and Sanford dams failed, sending floodwaters from the Tittabawassee River into Midland and surrounding communities. Thousands of residents were forced to evacuate their homes, many while also navigating public health restrictions and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the U.S. National Weather Service, the flooding resulted in the evacuation of roughly 10,000 residents and produced historic flooding along the Tittabawassee River.
On May 19, 2020, floodwaters poured into Midland, Michigan, and neighbouring communities following four days of substantial rainfall and the failure of two privately owned dams. The flooding, the worst recorded in the area in more than 80 years, forced thousands of families to leave their homes while complying with Michigan’s stay-at-home order.
Since the flooding, World Renew’s Disaster Response Services (DRS) staff remained in regular communication with potential partners to determine the most pressing needs in the region and the most effective ways to provide support.
In addition to phone calls and emails, DRS staff visited the area on May 28 and June 1 to meet with the pastor at Midland Reformed Church, connect with local partners, survey damage, and assess recovery efforts already underway.
Michigan Flooding Disaster Response in Action
“We continue to talk with area leaders about how World Renew DRS can best support the cleanup and recovery efforts, recognizing the effectiveness of local efforts initiated through neighbours helping neighbours before the first out-of-town volunteers or organization arrived to assist. We praise God for a group of area pastors and churches who are collaborating to actively and intentionally love their neighbours in the coming days, weeks, and months.”
– Chris Gibson, DRS Groups Program Manager
Even so, the damage sustained in the area was substantial, affecting families already coping with the health and economic impacts of COVID-19. Many found themselves under-resourced, fearful, and struggling to see a path forward.
In response, the DRS team sought to bring resources, funding, and volunteers together to help renew hope across affected communities. Gibson explains:
“Currently, our team is in dialogue regarding the safe coordination of local volunteer operations in the near future. If deemed compliant with physical distancing best practices, we will extend an invitation to experienced DRS staff/volunteers for a ‘one-day-serve’ to continue with recovery efforts in this area,”
At the time, COVID-19 safety considerations meant that volunteer housing and meal services could not be provided, and volunteer opportunities were limited to single-day service projects. Volunteers were also required to follow public health guidelines and live within two hours of the Midland area.
Standing with Flood-Affected Communities
While volunteer plans continued to be evaluated, the needs of affected families remained urgent. Financial gifts and prayers provided a tangible way to support communities facing the long road to recovery.
Thank you for your ongoing care, support, and prayers. Through God’s love and the generosity of supporters, families facing disaster can find encouragement, practical assistance, and renewed hope during difficult times.
To learn more about how World Renew responds to disasters across Canada and the United States, or to support current recovery efforts, visit our North American Disaster Response page.
