Recovering from Expected Flooding Under Residential Buildings: Results from a Participatory Action Case Study

Background and Purpose: In urban areas, aging residential and wastewater-stormwater infrastructures, exacerbated by the effects of climate change, pose significant challenges. These challenges include increased vulnerability to flooding, such as septic backups, groundwater intrusion, overbank inundation, and runoff inflows. The literature emphasizes the importance of disaster preparedness, understanding the multifaceted social issues that arise, and addressing both the tangible and intangible losses experienced by affected communities. Moreover, it underscores the need for agencies and volunteers who provide disaster relief and case management to navigate the potential reproduction of oppressive power dynamics, particularly in communities with historically limited resources.

To respond to a community priority, we present a participatory action case study of flooding response effort in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Detroit, MI where many are aging in place. The two objectives of this paper are 1) Identify supports required for effective and equitable disaster recovery and mitigation; and 2) to understand social structures, systems, and community science literacies necessary for flood risk mitigation for residents who may lack digital access, knowledge of resources, or are socially isolated.

Methods: In terms of research context, FEMA had engaged the university to partner with community organizations on the long term recovery of floods during June of 2021. This partnership obtained funding from the National Science Foundation for the planning effort. Our case study involved content analysis of 102 documents that included agendas, meeting notes, field notes, presentations, and handouts of coalition and leadership meetings. The team used an abductive approach to qualitative data analysis where we coded with the objectives in mind as informed by the literature of the importance of structural racism, critical education, collective efficacy, and social capital in disaster response. Data were coded by two students and organized using a spreadsheet application.

Results: For objective one, residents identified several critical supports. These include the need for timely communication of flooding alerts, streamlined processes for accessing resources, new green and gray stormwater infrastructure, and residential retrofitting. For objective two, findings underscored a shared recognition of the influence of structural racism in flooding. Residents said they valued critical education because “Misinformation will circulate like wildfire” and “knowing the right terms” so they could better advocate. Field notes had examples of elevating women’s voices: and older Black woman obtained funding to build a “yellow brick road” parklet whose plants would help mitigate the next flood. In terms of collective efficacy, a participant described the flood task force as “reversing the relationship ... because this is our community and we're already engaged in it.” The data showed the importance of social capital, in particular bridging different organizations, coordinating efforts, and power mapping decision makers in institutions.

Conclusions and Implications: Addressing structural inequities, fostering collective efficacy, and nurturing social capital are essential components of effective disaster response strategies, especially in urban areas with residents aging in place. Social workers, in particular, can play a pivotal role in advocating for trauma-informed approaches and co-creating community-led initiatives to mitigate flooding vulnerabilities and build resilience.