DETROIT — The Muslim community of Michigan is stepping forward with a contribution to support Detroit residents who are facing hardship from water shut-offs. The Michigan Muslim Community Council (MMCC), in partnership with Islamic Relief USA (IR USA) –the largest Muslim charity organizations in the United States – is giving $100,000 to help the people of Detroit. 

More than 60,000 households in Detroit have faced the risk of water shut-off, creating great hardship for many. The grant will be divided evenly between the Detroit Water Fund in partnership with United Way of Southeastern Michigan and Wayne Metro Community Council, to be used in direct assistance to disadvantaged Detroit families struggling to maintain their water utilities or recover from water damage due to recent floods.  

The MMCC and IR USA hope that this grant will encourage others to come forward with assistance since there is still great need. 

The grant is part of a concerted effort by metro-Detroit Muslims to contribute to the city’s revitalization since Detroit has been an important part of American Muslim history and is recovering from difficult economic times. Other initiatives include the Huda clinic, which provides free medical and dental clinic to everybody; Zaman International, which provides food and material assistance to at risk-women and children; DREAM (Detroit Revitalization Engaging American Muslim), which reclaims and renovates homes for disadvantaged families; and the Ramadan Fight Against Hunger Food Drive and Oedhiya project, which distributes several tons of food annually to local food banks and community centers.

Islamic Relief USA had provided disaster relief teams to metro-Detroit to help with recent Detroit flooding and has partnered with local groups to offer Disaster Assistance Relief Training (DART) to residents in order to have a group of trained individuals who can help if future disasters strike this area.

“We hope that our example of helping the city will inspire others to step forward and be a part of Detroit’s revitalization,” said  MMCC Chair Muzammil Ahmed.

Detroiters who owe up to $2,000 on their water bills could be eligible for as much as $500 in matching funds to help pay the bill.

A partnership between the Detroit Water and Sewerage Co. and United Way of Southeastern Michigan, called the Detroit Water Fund, announced Tuesday it has expanded the eligibility for matching funds for Detroit residents behind on their bills. About 30,000 Detroiters have outstanding balances of $2,000 or less, according to the department. 

To confirm eligibility for the match, call 313.267.8000. To apply online for help, go to www.DetroitWaterFund.org.