Our Services

Welcome to the AmeriCorps Climate Ready Program – your partner in building climate-resilient homes for Detroit residents. Our comprehensive services start with a Total Home Safety Assessment (THSA) to determine your eligibility for our impactful initiatives. From there, embark on a guided home walkthrough, unlocking a tailored approach to fortify your home against the challenges of climate change. Discover the full spectrum of services designed to safeguard your home and community.

Your journey to a climate-ready future starts here. Learn more about our transformative services below.

Home Intervention Services

  • Rain barrels capture water from a roof and hold it for later use such as on lawns, gardens or indoor plants. Collecting roof runoff in rain barrels reduces the amount of water that flows from your property. It's a great way to conserve water and it's free water for use in your landscape.

    Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

  • A rain garden is a depressed area in the landscape (resident’s front lawn or backyard) that collects rain water from a gutter attached to the home and allows it to soak into the ground. As it is attached to a gutter by a tube underground, the garden is self-watering.

    Planted with grasses, flowering perennials, and other native Michigan plants, rain gardens can be a cost effective and beautiful way to reduce runoff from your property. Rain gardens can also help filter out pollutants in runoff and provide food and shelter for butterflies, song birds and other wildlife.

    Note: During dry seasons, you may use the water collected in the rain barrel to water the plants in the rain garden.

  • Foundation cracks pose a great risk, allowing water to seep into the basement and fostering moisture, leading to mold growth. Sealing these cracks by caulking the cement foundation ensures a dry basement. Additionally, packing soil on the exterior dirt-side of the home prevents water from infiltrating foundation cracks, enhancing overall protection against water damage

  • Excess moisture in the air and within your home's structure can foster mold growth, posing health risks such as respiratory illnesses and exacerbating asthma symptoms. This can be combatedt with a dehumidifier—an appliance designed to extract moisture from the air, ensuring a dry and healthy home environment.

  • An air purifier is a device that utilizes filters and fans to remove contaminants from the air, following steps like air intake, filtration, purification, and circulation. This process enhances indoor air quality, offering benefits such as allergen and pollutant removal, reduced allergies, odor elimination, mold and bacteria control, improved respiratory health, and effective smoke removal.

Step 1: Eligibility

The first crucial step is determining your eligibility through our Total Home Safety Assessment (THSA). This comprehensive survey gathers essential personal information about you and your home, laying the foundation for tailored assistance.

By completing the THSA, you enter Wayne State University's Center for Urban Studies' system, opening doors to consideration for additional services provided by the Center.

After finishing the survey, anticipate a call from the Climate READY Office where we'll confirm your eligibility. During this conversation, we'll coordinate the first step – scheduling your initial walkthrough.

Note: If you are having trouble accessing the THSA Survey, you may complete it over the phone with a Climate READY Team Member by calling our office at (313) 577-0477

Step 2: Initial Walkthrough

The week of your scheduled appointment, expect a confirmation call from our office to solidify the date and time of the appointment.

On the morning of the consultation, another call will notify you of the team size arriving for the initial walkthrough.

Please expect to grant our dedicated members access to your backyard and basement to ensure a comprehensive assessment of your home's needs. Be prepared for photo documentation as our team evaluates.

During the walkthrough, we'll discuss optimal locations for the rain barrel, rain garden, and other eligible interventions based on your home's unique requirements.

Step 3: Home Intervention

On the morning of the intervention, our dedicated team will arrive equipped to install a rain barrel, a rain garden (if applicable), and any other discussed home interventions.

Before breaking ground, a team member will walk you through the planned locations for the rain barrel and rain garden. While the team works on the installation, another member will guide you through necessary paperwork.

Once the home intervention is complete, our Program Director will personally take you on a tour, showcasing the successful interventions implemented in and around your home.