This page is part of Flint Beat’s work focused on solutions journalism. Our solutions stories investigate, explain, and offer a critical and clear-eyed view of how people are trying to solve Flint’s biggest problems. These stories feature evidence-based and rigorous reporting that explores what local and national leaders are doing to create better and more equitable communities.
‘Prisoner on the outside’: Flint considers fair chance housing policy for justice-impacted citizens
Flint, MI — Flint resident Howard Sanders was convicted of murder in the second degree at 17 years old. Now, 33 years later, he still faces difficulty finding housing in Flint. Sanders served a 25-year sentence and was released on his first opportunity for parole in 2015. He’s since obtained an associate’s degree in heating,…
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A downtown Flint vending machine is helping combat opioid overdose deaths, stigma
Flint, MI—Against a beige brick wall on the east side of Flint’s downtown bus station is a single vending machine.…
Looking to cut down 911 response time, UM-Flint police offer the city a data-driven solution
Flint, MI—Almost three weeks ago, the University of Michigan-Flint Department of Public Safety launched a new initiative to reduce crime…
Officials hope new directory will help increase awareness for Flint-area BIPOC-owned businesses
Flint, MI—Two partners have come together to create an online directory of local Black, Indigenous and people of color-owned businesses…
Flint pastor builds laundromat to help families experiencing hygiene poverty
Editors Note: This story is part of Flint Beat’s work focused on solutions journalism. Our solutions stories investigate, explain, and…
Can 3D-printed homes help solve Flint’s affordable housing shortage?
Flint, MI—Flint may soon be home to a unique, potential solution for Michigan’s dearth of affordable housing: a 3D-printed home.…
Nutrition, fitness program aims to ’empower’ formerly incarcerated individuals
Flint, MI– As Leon El-Alamin worked with formerly incarcerated individuals over the years, he noticed a pattern. Those coming out…
Does Flint need a compliance firm to help spend COVID-19 relief funding?
Flint, MI– The Flint City Council postponed a resolution Dec. 8 to hire a firm that would help the city…
Genesee County Jail to host town hall with candidates in upcoming elections
Flint, MI– For the first time ever, the Genesee County Jail is hosting a town hall ahead of the upcoming…
Initiative proposes street outreach as a fix for drug overdoses, violence
Flint, MI– Every morning, seven days a week, Michael Bolton loads his stash of Narcan into his car, and drives…
Genesee County Jail overcrowded, most inmates unsentenced. What can be done?
Flint, MI– The Genesee County Jail is on their 22nd consecutive day of being overcrowded, and only 4% of the…
Residents step up to clean city neighborhoods – Meet the Flint Litter Killers
Flint, MI— For Chad Schlosser, the days of leisurely strolls through Flint, empty-handed, are over. If he doesn’t have a…
Black people no longer disproportionately affected by COVID-19 in Flint, health officials say
Flint, MI— If you’re Black living in the United States you’re 2.8 times more likely to die from COVID-19 compared…
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