Water crisis latest: Businesses still struggling, fund coming soon
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Nearly three weeks after the water crisis first unfolded in Richmond, and two weeks since service was restored, the city is still grappling with ongoing water main breaks, financial effects and more. The city, along with local businesses and nonprofits, remain in recovery as efforts to support neighbors continue. One of the organizations at the forefront of helping those affected is the YWCA in Richmond. "You don't recognize how important water is until you don't have it," said YWCA Senior Director of Operations Mica Morgan. "It was a lot of shuffling, a lot of scrambling, a lot of ideas, a lot of collaborating and a lot of moving parts." The YWCA was not the only place struggling, as having no access to water for six days forced plenty of businesses to close. In an effort to help businesses bounce back, the city has launched "Let it Flow" -- a business financial recovery week. "We're going to promote a water recovery week where everybody gets out, supports our restaurants, supports our businesses, helps them make up for the few days they were out of commission," said City of Richmond Mayor Danny Avula. Despite being a nonprofit, the YWCA faced closures of its own that impacted the families it serves. "We have five Sprout Schools that service a ton of kids and families every single day," Morgan said. "Without water we can't properly feed those kids, we can't properly change diapers and sanitize our buildings…" Still, Morgan said the YWCA will not slow down its efforts, especially since the Virginia Department of Health announced it does not believe that the city of Richmond is capable of ensuring its citizens have reliable access to clean water. The city has now partnered with the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg to support city residents who were impacted by the water crisis. The partnership will allow individuals to support their neighbors by contributing to the Water Crisis Fund, which is now accepting donations. Applications for those financially struggling as a result of the crisis open for neighbors on Friday, Jan. 31. You will be able to apply online or by phone.
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Nearly three weeks after the water crisis first unfolded in Richmond, and two weeks since service was restored, the city is still grappling with ongoing water main breaks, financial effects and more.
The city, along with local businesses and nonprofits, remain in recovery as efforts to support neighbors continue. One of the organizations at the forefront of helping those affected is the YWCA in Richmond.
"You don't recognize how important water is until you don't have it," said YWCA Senior Director of Operations Mica Morgan. "It was a lot of shuffling, a lot of scrambling, a lot of ideas, a lot of collaborating and a lot of moving parts."
The YWCA was not the only place struggling, as having no access to water for six days forced plenty of businesses to close. In an effort to help businesses bounce back, the city has launched "Let it Flow" -- a business financial recovery week.
"We're going to promote a water recovery week where everybody gets out, supports our restaurants, supports our businesses, helps them make up for the few days they were out of commission," said City of Richmond Mayor Danny Avula.
Despite being a nonprofit, the YWCA faced closures of its own that impacted the families it serves.
"We have five Sprout Schools that service a ton of kids and families every single day," Morgan said. "Without water we can't properly feed those kids, we can't properly change diapers and sanitize our buildings…"
Still, Morgan said the YWCA will not slow down its efforts, especially since the Virginia Department of Health announced it does not believe that the city of Richmond is capable of ensuring its citizens have reliable access to clean water.
The city has now partnered with the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg to support city residents who were impacted by the water crisis. The partnership will allow individuals to support their neighbors by contributing to the Water Crisis Fund, which is now accepting donations.
Applications for those financially struggling as a result of the crisis open for neighbors on Friday, Jan. 31. You will be able to apply online or by phone.
