ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The local chapter of the American Red Cross is deploying a volunteer to help local residents in Flint, Michigan who have been dealing with a water crisis.

James Robinson of East Rochester will leave for Flint late Wednesday afternoon to join a team of volunteers from the American Red Cross to help distribute fresh water and other supplies at various resource sites with government partners. Flint is home to nearly 100,000 people who have been dealing with contaminated drinking water since two years ago when the financially-strapped city switched from Detroit's water system to the Flint River to save money.

Robinson hopes to provide relief during what is a difficult and emotionally charged time for residents there.

"I'm hoping to be able to lift spirits, the people I'm sure are pretty upset and depressed. This has been going on for quite a while, so hopefully the Red Cross being down there will show the people that there is someone there that cares for them and hopefully help them with their recovery," said Robinson.

A state of emergency was recently declared over the water crisis in Flint. Robinson says he plans to be there a minimum of two weeks.