The Resilient Eastside Initiative (REI) is a network of community hubs across Detroit’s Eastside led by local residents and organizations that are collectively working on climate-related justice issues.
Upcoming Events
Our Work
Resilience Eastside Initiative
The Resilient Eastside Initiative (REI) is Eastside Community Network’s long-term commitment to building stronger, healthier, and more climate-resilient neighborhoods on Detroit’s Eastside. REI brings residents, community partners, and local leaders together to confront environmental challenges, improve neighborhood stability, and expand access to the resources every family deserves.
Through community education, climate preparedness programming, resident-led planning, and on-the-ground projects like green infrastructure and neighborhood activation, REI empowers Eastside residents to shape solutions that reflect their lived experiences. Guided by equity and collaboration, the initiative strengthens community power and supports a future where all Eastside neighborhoods can thrive—today and for generations to come.
The Resilience Hub Network
INFRASTRUCTURE: Solar and backup power for medical supplies and devices, safe space for residents to access resources, power and information.
PEOPLE: Staff trained to respond to crises.
COMMUNITY: Local, trusted organizations within a 10-minute walk from home.
Resilience Hub Features
Access to electricity, heating and cooling in emergencies.
Distribution of food, water, tools, resources, funding, and shelter during disruptions.
Logistical coordination with public agencies, emergency responders, and partner organizations.
Access to basic health and medical supplies.
Communication and connection with other community resources.
Resources Offered
The Detroit Resilience
Hub Network
Eastside Community Network is part of network of 11 Resilience Hubs across Southeastern Detroit. We provide a safe space during extreme climate events such as extreme cold, extreme heat, air quality alert days, power outages, and after extreme flooding. Look out for our extreme weather alert emails and social media to find out when we're active.
Our Climate Hazards
40 - 55% Detroit homes are impacted by flooding 2012 - 2021
Flooding
Air pollution is responsible for about 721 premature deaths per year in Detroit.
Poor Air Quality Days
Detroit suffers from an urban heat island effect. Heat-related illness can be fatal.
Extreme Summer Weather
Freezing temperatures can cause outages, hypothermia, and frostbite.
Extreme Winter Weather
Michigan ranks 2nd in the nation for power outages.
Power Outages
Safety Actions
Store valuables off the floor, elevate utilities, clear nearby storm drains, stay out of the water for health.
Stay inside and close windows, identify a space with adequate air filters, keep kids inside, buy or make an air filter for your home.
Locate a heating center near you, stay inside and off roads, dress in layers. Weatherize your home, be careful about heat source exhaust.
Locate a cooling center, drink plenty of water, charge your technology, keep fans in the house, close your shades.
Our Resources
Extreme heat is the deadliest of all weather-related disasters. It can happen anywhere and puts entire communities at risk. As our climate continues to change we are likely to experience more extreme heat emergencies, use the information in this guide to help you prepare.
Staying Safe During the Heat
Local Organizations
Our Resilience Hub Partners
Click one to learn about their services
Our History
Want more information?
To learn more about the Resilient Eastside Initiative, contact Marie Garcia at mrgarcia@ecn-detroit.org or (313) 331-3495