Watch CBS News

Red Cross, Volunteers In Suburban Detroit Helping In Clean-Up Efforts

HUNTINGTON WOODS (WWJ) - Monday marks one week since torrential rains flooded streets and freeways, trapping cars and sending rushing water into thousands of basements.

A quick look and everything seems like it is back to normal in Huntington Woods with joggers going by and people out walking their dogs - but then you see the mounds of memories-turned-trash after historic rains flooded the basements of many.

La Forice Nealy is the Regional CEO for the Red Cross in Southeast Michigan and he explains the non-profit's role moving forward.

"And at some point this will transition into more of a longer term recovery effort so the Red Cross will still be involved in those efforts as well and because there is a local Red Cross presence in the community - we will continue to access as long as we need to - to make sure the needs are being met following this particular disaster," said Nealy.

Flooding vol clean up 8-17-14 (RMcN)
Damon Robinson takes a moment to give a treat to a family pet.

The American Red Cross handed out cleaning supplies - providing some relief to residents of Huntington Woods on Sunday, but for many, the flooding was a call to action, as volunteers like Damon Robinson took time to help in the clean-up effort.

"Because it happened to everyone", said Robinson, "instead of one group of people or one set of individuals - it happened to everyone at the same time ...everyone had the same situation, the same stories."

Robinson was helping those big and small, taking time to hand out a few dog treats to four-legged friends that might be a bit stressed by the flooding.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.