Support Dr. Robert Bullard Shiloh, AL Flood Fund

Dr. Robert Bullard is often referred to as the “Father of Environmental Justice ” because of his four-plus decades of research, writings, policy and civic engagement work in the U.S. and around the world. A native of Elba, Alabama, Dr. Bullard was called home five months ago—after being away some five decades—to assist the Shiloh community whose Black residents have been plagued with flooding since 2018, after U.S. Highway 84 was elevated and expanded into a four-lane highway—placing the community in a bowl. Residents have expressed concerns about localized flooding and feel neglected and have complained for more than five years with little government action.

An in-depth investigation by ABC News uncovered major flooding of homes and property in the Shiloh community—robbing residents of full use of their property. The Shiloh community is a poster child for Highway Robbery—the title of a book Bullard wrote nearly two decades ago—because prior to 2018 a small dirt road provided access to the community—which now floods the residents' homes, lowers their property, and robs them of their wealth and inheritance. Homes have been deemed not structurally sound, due to foundation damage related to increased stormwater run-off. The flooding crisis has brought on further risk, as a methane gas pipeline was discovered near residents’ property.

Dr. Bullard led a team of environmental, transportation, health and legal experts on fact-findings tours in July and November of this year and heard testimonials from Shiloh residents who have been harmed directly and indirectly by the highway flooding problem.

How Donations Will Be Used: Donations from the #ShilohFloodFund will be used to assist frontline Shiloh residents in paying extra cost burdens associated with the highway flooding—including flooded homes, property and businesses, sinking land, driveway erosion, cracked foundations and structural damage to homes, repairs and pumping out water from overflowing septic systems, clean-up of sewer backups in homes, water-damaged home furnishings, non-coverage of floodwater losses (not qualifying for flood insurance since not in a flood designation area), insurance cancellations and rate hikes, stress and mental health counseling, and other out-of-pocket and emergency flood-related expenses.

Fundraising Goal: Phase 1: $100,000 before December 31, 2023. Phase 2: $100,000 by June 30, 2024.

We do hope you will make a donation to our #ShilohFloodFund. A donation of any amount will be greatly appreciated and help us reach our goal, i.e., $5, $10, $20, $25, $50, $100, $150, $200 and larger amount.

Thank you for your support. And we ask you to share our fundraiser with your network, colleagues, and friends who care about JUSTICE.

All the best.

Dr. Robert D. Bullard

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