West Michigan organization asking for help after Grand Rapids sister city devastated by flooding

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan – A West Michigan nonprofit is calling on the community to help one of Grand Rapids’ sister cities after major floods devastated many of its neighborhoods.

A severe storm burst a stream in Zapopan, Mexico last weekend, sending water and rubble across the region, according to local media. The extent of the disaster is still being determined, but pictures and videos show destroyed streets and mud-encrusted houses.

Zapopan, located in central Mexico, has been one of Grand Rapids’ sister cities since 2008.

“At first I just had so much empathy for people,” says Erika Plunkett. “I’ve walked all these streets. There are some people that I know are these neighborhoods. “

Plunkett is the executive director of AMA International, a West Michigan nonprofit that serves the city’s 300,000 people living in extreme poverty.

At the beginning of the summer, AMA launched a mobile medical unit that has so far provided 600 people with basic medical care. Plunkett says his back to school efforts should begin the day after the flood.

The organization is now shifting its focus and raising money and working with local businesses to provide water, clothing and cleaning products to around 1,000 families in need.

AMA is Hamburger Marys Charity of the Month. Local DJ Tony Banks has also offered to present the theme during his annual summer concert series.

“We make decisions day by day about what we need, how we can help, and what we should buy,” said Plunkett.

Plunkett says even in the midst of uncertainty, the Zapopan people remain positive and urge AMA to do what it can.

“We’ve invested so much in this community and we really care,” said Plunkett. “They are family to us and we want to help them through this time, just like we did with the pandemic. We just keep trying to give that hope, give that inspiration, give love so that people can feel, ‘Okay, we’ll be fine, we’ve got people behind us who care’ and that makes all the difference . “

People can also donate by clicking here.