Deanna Watts, May 18th, 2024
Title
Deanna Watts, May 18th, 2024
Description
In this interview, Deanna Watts discusses the Manistique Treehouse Center’s work in Jefferson Chalmers, and how the organization has helped with the area’s flooding issues.
In partnership with the Manistique Community Treehouse Center
In partnership with the Manistique Community Treehouse Center
Publisher
Detroit Historical Society
Rights
Detroit Historical Society
Language
en-US
Narrator/Interviewee's Name
Deanna P. Watts
Brief Biography
Deanna P. Watts has lived in the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood of Detroit since the 1970s. She worked as a preschool teacher in Detroit before her retirement in 2000.
Interviewer's Name
Doris Lanzkron-Tamarazo
Date
5/18/2024
Interview Length
12:11
Transcription
Doris Lanzkron-Tamarazo: I'm Doris Lanzkron-Tamarazo, it's May 18th, 2024, and I'm here with, please say your name.
Deanna Watts: Deanna Watts.
DLT: And can you spell your name, please?
DPW: D e a n n a. Watts: W a t t s.
DLT: And do you live in the city of Detroit?
DPW: Yes.
DLT: How long have you lived there?
DPW: About fifty-two years.
DLT: And what neighborhood?
DPW: I'm in Algonquin and Jefferson, Jefferson Chalmers.
DLT: Have you lived in other neighborhoods previously?
DPW: No.
DLT: And do you work in the city of Detroit, or did you work in the city of Detroit?
DPW: Yes, I was the preschool teacher. I'm retired. I retired in 2000.
DLT: All right. And are you involved in the Treehouse Center?
DPW: Not involved, per se, but I’ve been to some of their functions.
DLT: So how did you get involved with the Treehouse Center?
DPW: I go to some of their functions, and then, I'll go out with her, with Tammy whenever she asked me to go.
DLT: And what kind of stuff did she ask you to help with?
DPW: Well, passing out fliers and, going to different homes to visit, and, different activities.
DLT: Which activities?
DPW: I didn’t hear you.
DLT: Which activities were you passing out fliers for?
DPW: For different, whatever we have in the community, functions or events we have in the community or involvement, trying to get people to join the block club.
DLT: And what has the response from the community been to these efforts?
DPW: Well, it's a good response, but we have a lot of young people that don't get involved. We have this in our area. It's mostly older senior citizens.
DLT: And why do you think the young people haven't been getting as involved?.
DPW: Well, I'm not saying they’re not concerned because I know they are. It's just that they're young and they have families and they are not all involved as they should be, and then a lot of them work and they’re going to school.
DLT: And have you personally been affected by the flooding in the area?
DPW: Yes, yes. When I had the flood, I lost everything. And there wasn't really a warning to let us know there would be flooding. But someone had called me and told me, I would have never known something was starting. But I lost everything.
DLT: And were your neighbors similarly affected?
DPW: Yes. My whole block. The whole area, basically. Cause floodwater went up past your steps. And, you know, when they go halfway up a car that was parking on the street, it was a bad flood.
DLT: And was this the flood in 2021?
DPW: Yes.
DLT: What was the city's response to this flood?
DPW: I don't think we had a good response. Even when FEMA came out, they didn't help like I thought they would help. I was really disappointed because they didn’t help do anything in the clean up. Well, I pretty much had my own house cleaned, because my family came from Chicago to help. Now they offered, but you had to get on the list because there was so many people that needed help. By the time my family got to helping me, I didn't need any help, because they were helping everybody else.
DLT: And what do you feel the response should have been?
DPW: I feel like, I still feel like they should have done more than they did. They should have helped, they should have gave us some type of warning. And instead of just coming and knocking on the door telling us we shouldn't do this and you shouldn't do that, because you already know that you couldn't go anywhere, you know, because of the mud. And it was not only mud, it was sewer waste, you know. And so, as it turned out, they went to us and they thought, I guess they think it was the act of God. But no, it was their fault. And they didn't help, they only gave us as much help as they had to.
DLT: And have there been additional floods since 2021 that have had a big impact?
DPW: Yes, we had a flood, I think it was 2023. But we had a flood, but it wasn't that bad. It was bad enough, but I had already replaced my things. And the insurance company that I had, the insurance company didn't help because they said I didn't have backup. I didn't have the right type of insurance. So this time, when I had, you have to get flood insurance, but flood insurance is not cheap. You know, when you’re a senior. So they have done a little bit more. Even with this flood we had last, I did get a chance to get the sump pump put in my backyard, which I’m hoping will help. It wasn't as bad this time. But they’re still not doing enough. Your insurance company didn’t help, the city didn’t give me anything to help.
DLT: And has the Treehouse had any programs to help with these issues?
DPW: Yes. There's a relay to let you know when there's heavy rain, or they think it’s going to be a flood. If you need help, they come and help you clean up. And different things that you need done. And make sure, that— Especially seniors. They look after the seniors. They come and help, and furnish food and they have handouts, things that you might need.
DLT: And have you been involved at all in the Treehouse's solar or gardening efforts?
DPW: I have solar panels through the Treehouse.
DLT: And what did the process of getting those solar panels look like?
DPW: Well, I really wanted to do it. Have it put on— And you applied for it, and I applied for it, and there was a price but it wasn’t nearly as much as it was before. So now I'm trying to wait and see about getting the batteries to go in the solar panel. But I applied for it and went to the workshops that they had. They had workshops and I knew about the solar panels, how they work, and different things like that. But what I did know after I got the solar panel, with DTE you couldn't do the budgeting because that's a different program, didn’t []. So you couldn’t get on the budget anything like that. But I think the solar panels, but I applied for it, and then I went to the workshop.
DLT: And did you have any reservations prior to getting the solar panels, about—?
DPW: No, no reservations at all, except I can’t get on the budget [Laughter] so you had to pay your bill outright.
DLT: And have a lot of your neighbors been interested in solar panels as well?
DPW: Well on my block, I’m the only one with the solar panels. I think Tammy has swayed most of them on. They have a functioning block club, we don’t. So. But on my block, I'm the only one with solar panels.
DLT: And how do you think the Treehouse educates the community about flooding and climate change and other environmental things?
DPW: Well, I think Tammy’s doing a great job. She invites you on everything. Storms and any new programs in the area that you need. Any of that sump pumps that we're getting now in our basement. Whatever information she finds that we need, especially with the seniors, she makes sure that we know.
DLT: Is there any particular program the Treehouse currently doesn't have that you think would be useful for the community?
DPW: Well, pretty much nothing. We’re pretty much covered. But anything that can improve and make [], I’m sure Tammy will find out and let us know.
DLT: And if the city could do anything, a program or infrastructure-wise, to help the community, what would you like the city to do?
DPW: Well, step up to the plate. Help everybody, not just certain areas. That's my problem. They help other areas and forget about us. But otherwise, I don't they even have enough programs. [] The sump pumps, it’s a help but not a guarantee. But, you know, as far as the foundation of your house and things that you need, I think the city should be more willing to help, you know. And then applying for the— So if you make, I’m a senior, if you make a dollar more you don't qualify for the program, you know, even though my income go up, you should qualify.
I'm 80 years old. I shouldn’t have to get down here and struggle and run and fill out twenty applications. It’s just like, I applied for some things to upgrade the house. But because I didn't belong to a certain program, I couldn’t get it. So as a senior, I think we should be open to all programs, not just because we make a dollar more, get a dollar more. I think that's not fair, you know, that we should have to fill out 20 pages to get applied for one thing.
DLT: So what would you say the greatest needs of the community are regarding these environmental challenges?
DPW: We shouldn't have, Tammy shouldn’t— It's good that she do these things, but we should be, they should be making us aware of it. Because we’re in a community. If we didn’t have a Tammy, a lot of things we wouldn’t know.
DLT: And did you have any other things you wanted to share that I didn't bring up with any of my questions?
DPW: No, pretty good. It's just that I think that things should step up more. And our water department should be more forthcoming and let us know what's going on and provide programs and grants that would help us, you know? I’ve been trying to figure out things on my own, you know. So Tammy has done a great job for that area.
DLT: All right. Thank you very much for your time. That was all the questions I had for you today.
DPW: I hope that I did okay. [Laughter]
Deanna Watts: Deanna Watts.
DLT: And can you spell your name, please?
DPW: D e a n n a. Watts: W a t t s.
DLT: And do you live in the city of Detroit?
DPW: Yes.
DLT: How long have you lived there?
DPW: About fifty-two years.
DLT: And what neighborhood?
DPW: I'm in Algonquin and Jefferson, Jefferson Chalmers.
DLT: Have you lived in other neighborhoods previously?
DPW: No.
DLT: And do you work in the city of Detroit, or did you work in the city of Detroit?
DPW: Yes, I was the preschool teacher. I'm retired. I retired in 2000.
DLT: All right. And are you involved in the Treehouse Center?
DPW: Not involved, per se, but I’ve been to some of their functions.
DLT: So how did you get involved with the Treehouse Center?
DPW: I go to some of their functions, and then, I'll go out with her, with Tammy whenever she asked me to go.
DLT: And what kind of stuff did she ask you to help with?
DPW: Well, passing out fliers and, going to different homes to visit, and, different activities.
DLT: Which activities?
DPW: I didn’t hear you.
DLT: Which activities were you passing out fliers for?
DPW: For different, whatever we have in the community, functions or events we have in the community or involvement, trying to get people to join the block club.
DLT: And what has the response from the community been to these efforts?
DPW: Well, it's a good response, but we have a lot of young people that don't get involved. We have this in our area. It's mostly older senior citizens.
DLT: And why do you think the young people haven't been getting as involved?.
DPW: Well, I'm not saying they’re not concerned because I know they are. It's just that they're young and they have families and they are not all involved as they should be, and then a lot of them work and they’re going to school.
DLT: And have you personally been affected by the flooding in the area?
DPW: Yes, yes. When I had the flood, I lost everything. And there wasn't really a warning to let us know there would be flooding. But someone had called me and told me, I would have never known something was starting. But I lost everything.
DLT: And were your neighbors similarly affected?
DPW: Yes. My whole block. The whole area, basically. Cause floodwater went up past your steps. And, you know, when they go halfway up a car that was parking on the street, it was a bad flood.
DLT: And was this the flood in 2021?
DPW: Yes.
DLT: What was the city's response to this flood?
DPW: I don't think we had a good response. Even when FEMA came out, they didn't help like I thought they would help. I was really disappointed because they didn’t help do anything in the clean up. Well, I pretty much had my own house cleaned, because my family came from Chicago to help. Now they offered, but you had to get on the list because there was so many people that needed help. By the time my family got to helping me, I didn't need any help, because they were helping everybody else.
DLT: And what do you feel the response should have been?
DPW: I feel like, I still feel like they should have done more than they did. They should have helped, they should have gave us some type of warning. And instead of just coming and knocking on the door telling us we shouldn't do this and you shouldn't do that, because you already know that you couldn't go anywhere, you know, because of the mud. And it was not only mud, it was sewer waste, you know. And so, as it turned out, they went to us and they thought, I guess they think it was the act of God. But no, it was their fault. And they didn't help, they only gave us as much help as they had to.
DLT: And have there been additional floods since 2021 that have had a big impact?
DPW: Yes, we had a flood, I think it was 2023. But we had a flood, but it wasn't that bad. It was bad enough, but I had already replaced my things. And the insurance company that I had, the insurance company didn't help because they said I didn't have backup. I didn't have the right type of insurance. So this time, when I had, you have to get flood insurance, but flood insurance is not cheap. You know, when you’re a senior. So they have done a little bit more. Even with this flood we had last, I did get a chance to get the sump pump put in my backyard, which I’m hoping will help. It wasn't as bad this time. But they’re still not doing enough. Your insurance company didn’t help, the city didn’t give me anything to help.
DLT: And has the Treehouse had any programs to help with these issues?
DPW: Yes. There's a relay to let you know when there's heavy rain, or they think it’s going to be a flood. If you need help, they come and help you clean up. And different things that you need done. And make sure, that— Especially seniors. They look after the seniors. They come and help, and furnish food and they have handouts, things that you might need.
DLT: And have you been involved at all in the Treehouse's solar or gardening efforts?
DPW: I have solar panels through the Treehouse.
DLT: And what did the process of getting those solar panels look like?
DPW: Well, I really wanted to do it. Have it put on— And you applied for it, and I applied for it, and there was a price but it wasn’t nearly as much as it was before. So now I'm trying to wait and see about getting the batteries to go in the solar panel. But I applied for it and went to the workshops that they had. They had workshops and I knew about the solar panels, how they work, and different things like that. But what I did know after I got the solar panel, with DTE you couldn't do the budgeting because that's a different program, didn’t []. So you couldn’t get on the budget anything like that. But I think the solar panels, but I applied for it, and then I went to the workshop.
DLT: And did you have any reservations prior to getting the solar panels, about—?
DPW: No, no reservations at all, except I can’t get on the budget [Laughter] so you had to pay your bill outright.
DLT: And have a lot of your neighbors been interested in solar panels as well?
DPW: Well on my block, I’m the only one with the solar panels. I think Tammy has swayed most of them on. They have a functioning block club, we don’t. So. But on my block, I'm the only one with solar panels.
DLT: And how do you think the Treehouse educates the community about flooding and climate change and other environmental things?
DPW: Well, I think Tammy’s doing a great job. She invites you on everything. Storms and any new programs in the area that you need. Any of that sump pumps that we're getting now in our basement. Whatever information she finds that we need, especially with the seniors, she makes sure that we know.
DLT: Is there any particular program the Treehouse currently doesn't have that you think would be useful for the community?
DPW: Well, pretty much nothing. We’re pretty much covered. But anything that can improve and make [], I’m sure Tammy will find out and let us know.
DLT: And if the city could do anything, a program or infrastructure-wise, to help the community, what would you like the city to do?
DPW: Well, step up to the plate. Help everybody, not just certain areas. That's my problem. They help other areas and forget about us. But otherwise, I don't they even have enough programs. [] The sump pumps, it’s a help but not a guarantee. But, you know, as far as the foundation of your house and things that you need, I think the city should be more willing to help, you know. And then applying for the— So if you make, I’m a senior, if you make a dollar more you don't qualify for the program, you know, even though my income go up, you should qualify.
I'm 80 years old. I shouldn’t have to get down here and struggle and run and fill out twenty applications. It’s just like, I applied for some things to upgrade the house. But because I didn't belong to a certain program, I couldn’t get it. So as a senior, I think we should be open to all programs, not just because we make a dollar more, get a dollar more. I think that's not fair, you know, that we should have to fill out 20 pages to get applied for one thing.
DLT: So what would you say the greatest needs of the community are regarding these environmental challenges?
DPW: We shouldn't have, Tammy shouldn’t— It's good that she do these things, but we should be, they should be making us aware of it. Because we’re in a community. If we didn’t have a Tammy, a lot of things we wouldn’t know.
DLT: And did you have any other things you wanted to share that I didn't bring up with any of my questions?
DPW: No, pretty good. It's just that I think that things should step up more. And our water department should be more forthcoming and let us know what's going on and provide programs and grants that would help us, you know? I’ve been trying to figure out things on my own, you know. So Tammy has done a great job for that area.
DLT: All right. Thank you very much for your time. That was all the questions I had for you today.
DPW: I hope that I did okay. [Laughter]
Files
Collection
Citation
“Deanna Watts, May 18th, 2024,” Detroit Historical Society Oral History Archive, accessed December 6, 2024, https://oralhistory.detroithistorical.org/items/show/1021.