DETROIT – Three weeks following a water main break near Beard and Rowan streets, more families are returning to their homes.
According to the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD), 37 families moved back home in the past week.
Overall, 121 basements have been cleaned and sanitized.
However, about 150 households are still either in hotel rooms or staying with extended family. Officials report 116 households remain in hotels.
It has received more than 150 claims to date, the department said.
On Tuesday, more resources were deployed.
The Secretary of State rolled out its mobile office to assist with titles and registrations, especially for those needing documents to file claims.
Meanwhile, other efforts continue around the clock to get people back into their homes.
DWSD reported 70 furnaces and hot water tanks have been installed, with more families set to return home soon.
Jackelin Burkhart, a resident, said her family recently returned to their house.
“Honestly, it’s nothing like being at home,” she said.
Despite progress, challenges remain.
Burkhart’s SUV won’t start. She’s not alone.
Neighbor Robert Waucaush described waking up to water levels rising significantly on Feb. 17.
“When the neighbors come woke me up, the water was like up to here,” he said while pointing to the floorboard of the vehicle.
For those filing vehicle claims, the Secretary of State sent staff to help with titles, registration, and even driver’s license renewals.
Luz Meza, Deputy Chief of Staff for the Secretary of State, told Local 4 it has equipment such as printers and vision exam boards to help remove barriers for residents.
“The spirit of our mobile office is to reach people where they are,” she said.
While the city offers transportation services, getting people mobile again is as crucial as returning them home.
When asked how long the city will cover transportation and lodging, the DWSD stated it would continue until all repairs are completed and residents can safely return home.
At the peak, about 200 households were in hotels, but that number is decreasing.
