It looks like one of the nation's elite is putting his money where his mouth is when it comes to assisting the people of Flint, Michigan, who — to this day — still do not have complete access to clean water. The water crisis, which began in April 2014, has been the source of significant frustration among activists, sparking questions and concerns as to why more hasn't been done to fix it.
One particular billionaire, tech mogul Elon Musk, has vowed to step up to the plate.
On Wednesday, July 11, the Tesla CEO responded to one Twitter user's question regarding the criticism he received after offering to aid the Thai youth soccer team trapped in a cave, per Bloomberg. The group was later rescued, without Musk's help, and the submersible his staff designed came under fire, with many accusing the tech titan of using the crisis as an opportunity for free advertising.
Musk's work on the Thai issue and his replies to his critics had some asking why he wasn't putting in that same level of effort to solve crises closer to home:
Hey @elonmusk I heard a bunch of people saying there's NO WAY you could help get clean water to Flint, Michigan. Said you wouldn't be capable idk— Baby D (@DylanSheaMusic) July 11, 2018
Please consider this a commitment that I will fund fixing the water in any house in Flint that has water contamination above FDA levels. No kidding.— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 11, 2018
Elon Musk says he'll pay to get clean water to homes in Flint, Michigan #tictocnews https://t.co/VPOJIWq0BC pic.twitter.com/Vz1VZx8XEG— TicToc by Bloomberg (@tictoc) July 13, 2018
Soon after, Flint Mayor Karen Weaver responded to Musk's tweet in order to move forward with a formal discussion:
Mr. Musk, I am the Mayor of Flint. I would like to have a conversation with you about Flint’s specific needs.— Karen About Flint (@karenaboutflint) July 11, 2018
Sure, will call tomorrow— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 12, 2018
On Thursday, July 12, Mari Copeny, aka Lil Miss Flint, confirmed she and her team had been working with Musk for over a week:
Hey world. Let’s set the record straight. My team has been working with @elonmusk and his team for over a week to figure out the best solution to help #Flint with the #FlintwaterCrisis
Extremely grateful for him and all he has done so far.— Mari Copeny (@LittleMissFlint) July 12, 2018
Musk also provided an email address for residents to request specific help and added an award incentive for volunteers willing to assist in water filter installations:
For now, reply to my tweet with ppm & ppb test results & will send someone to install a water filter. Creating email flint@x.com, but I’m in China so that won’t be working until tomorrow.— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 11, 2018
Maybe rewarding to organize a barnstorming weekend for water filter installation?— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 11, 2018
Other Twitter users commented on how disappointed they were that a private citizen was doing what the government should have done long ago:
When @LittleMissFlint asks – you answer.
But let’s be clear: Government shouldn’t have to be bailed out by billionaires.
Time to build a Michigan that stands for its people.https://t.co/Cc29K7hQQe— Abdul El-Sayed (@AbdulElSayed) July 12, 2018
The fact that Michigan has to rely on some rich guy in California to solve its water problem in a city is kind of embarrassing for our state, reflecting a failure of our leadership here. https://t.co/F9C5CBAdMU— Niraj Warikoo (@nwarikoo) July 12, 2018
As much as I love Elon Musk helping out Flint, it sucks that we need to rely on eccentric billionaires to provide basic services. It's the Batman-ification of the US.— Dan Saffer (@odannyboy) July 12, 2018
For her part, Copeny is continuing her mission to sell T-shirts as a means of fundraising to help Flint kids. You can purchase them at bonfire.com:
Guys…we are under 4,000 shirts to hit my goal. I know we can do it.
This is one of the main ways I help #FlintKids https://t.co/ZazPyn5dFo pic.twitter.com/aqy7ympvmq— Mari Copeny (@LittleMissFlint) July 13, 2018
Now, check these out:
This Black-Owned Construction Firm Will Replace 18,000+ Contaminated Water Pipes In Flint
Little Miss Flint Calls Out Donald Trump On Flint Water Crisis
