Early Tuesday morning, a water pipe burst at 7375 Woodward Ave., flooding the Franklin Wright Settlements facility. The nonprofit, which provides community services, saw nearly the entire first floor and basement affected. The location has shut down and is relying on support from its other Metro Detroit facilities, according to a CBS News report.
Franklin Wright Settlements runs programs including after-school care, counseling, and senior outreach. The incident began around 3 a.m. when a pipe burst in the building’s sprinkler room. Ahmad Nassar, the organization’s vice president, said the damage affected the 87,000-square-foot facility and prompted an urgent call for help. “We need the community to give us a big hug,” Nassar told WXYZ.
The incident was discovered by security personnel in the early morning hours, as the water from the broken pipe flooded the building and spilled out onto the surrounding streets. FOX 2 Detroit reported that the first floor had been under about a foot of water as officials scrambled to stop the flow. The local water department was called to shut off the water supply since the shutoff valve was not accessible due to the rapidly gushing water.
The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but carpets and drywall will need replacing. Nassar said the facility will remain closed for now, though the nonprofit will continue serving 600–800 people daily at its other sites. Franklin Wright Settlements provides crucial services, and the temporary closure will disrupt access for many in the community.
