The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says it’s partnering with local agencies and will begin paying Benton Harbor residents who work at state-supported bottled water distribution sites. The department says the move is being made to ensure the bottled water distribution effort is a success while lead water lines are replaced in areas of the city found with high levels of lead in the water. Paid water distribution staff will be known as community ambassadors and will be paid $15 per hour and be approved by the community organization they’re volunteering with. Ambassadors must live in the city limits proper and be approved by the community organization where they intend to work. Individuals who want to serve as community ambassadors should connect with an established distribution site. Individuals or groups who want to serve as unpaid volunteers can sign up on the website of the United Way of Southwest Michigan.
