WARREN, Mich. – Almost three weeks later, the historical flood is still making headlines. While many are still working on the storm cleanup, there's a new health hazard growing for families in one Warren community.
Many are still dealing with the sewage smell and damage to their home's foundation, but the latest threat is the black mold growing on walls.
"This is terrible, very, very toxic," said Michael Schneider, a Warren resident living with black mold.
His wife and daughter have temporarily moved out of the house until the mold gets cleared up, but Schneider is choosing to stay behind and live in a hazardous home because he feels he has no other options available.
"It's pretty sad," he said. "I've been living here for 45 years and I know everyone around here and all their basements were just destroyed."
Where floodwater used to be, there is now black mold. And where it hasn't been found, many suspect it will soon appear.
Michael Parent, a Warren resident who has suspicions he has black mold in his house, said inspectors couldn't reach the beam on one side of his home and determine if what they found was in fact mold.
"I just retired from the health department, so this is an irony to me," he said.
It's also a growing concern for families, as babies and children could be breathing it and causing damage to their lungs.
These people are at a loss and the idea of more damage being done is overwhelming.
"I don't know what else to do," said Schneider. "We need federal help."
However, residents are not aware that there is an opportunity to receive the help they so desperately need.
"Right now, if you need assistance, there are volunteers waiting to help you clean out your basement, bucket brigades, anything you need," said Michigan State Police Lt. Michael Shaw. "By calling 211 today, you can get assistance right now, not counting any other declaration."