Michigan to begin paying Benton Harbor residents and sites distributing bottled water

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. – To ensure continued success of bottled water distribution sites across Benton Harbor and recognizing residents who are donating their time and talent to these drives, the state of Michigan is will begin paying residents who work at distribution sites, retroactive to Oct. 1.

Paid staff will be known as “community ambassadors” and will be paid $15 an hour. Ambassadors must be approved by the community organization and live in city limits.

Distribution sites will be responsible for recruiting, managing and paying ambassadors that serve for at their site. Organizers of each distribution site will review credentials of potential ambassadors before hiring them.

Benton Harbor residents looking to serve as community ambassadors should connect to an established distribution site. Individuals or groups who was to serve as unpaid volunteers can sign up on the United Way’s online platform.