Brielle Meyer

Larry Gibbs, whose home was among those flooded when the main broke on June 13, said he will receive approximately $4,200 thanks to United Way and several funders.

^{Photo credit: WZZM 13}

Note: This is a story I wrote for WZZM 13 in December of 2024. The original can be found here. This is also a follow up to another story I wrote, which can be found here.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Six months after a water main break in Grand Rapids left some resident’s homes severely damaged those residents are finally receiving some financial assistance.

United Way said that thanks to several local funders, foundations and residents they are able to gift the funds to the homeowners.

Larry Gibbs, whose home was among those flooded when the main broke on June 13 in a southeast side neighborhood, said he will receive approximately $4,200 in aid.

The city previously informed residents it would not cover any damages from the break, including mold remediation and sinkhole repairs.

“We’re paying for things like that, and the city can’t even help us out with just the simplest things,” Gibbs said. “Like, how are we receiving funding and help from United Way people that are donating, that have nothing to do with the water main break, but out of the kindness of their hearts, helping us and the city hasn’t did a single thing is, it’s crazy,” said Gibbs.

Residents affected by the break have had to continue to deal with broken appliances, damaged water heaters and other issues stemming from the incident, according to Gibbs.

He plans to use the United Way funds to address mold problems, inspect his water heater and repair foundation damage.