A devastating incident occurred in Detroit on Monday, where two homeless children, a 2-year-old girl and a 9-year-old boy, froze to death while sleeping in a van with their family.
The city’s mayor, Mike Duggan, revealed that the children’s mother had reached out to homeless services a few months ago, but unfortunately, it didn’t lead to a resolution.
What Happened
The family of seven, including the two deceased children, their two siblings, their mother, grandmother, and the grandmother’s child, were living in the van.
On the night of the incident, the van stopped running due to mechanical issues or running out of gas, leaving the family without heat.
The mother called a family friend for help, but it was too late. The next morning, the mother discovered that the 9-year-old boy was not breathing, and soon after, the 2-year-old girl was also found unresponsive.
Investigation Underway
The police are investigating the incident, and the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause of death.
However, according to Interim Police Chief Todd Bettison, it appears that hypothermia was the cause of death. The three other children, aged 13, 8, and 4, were physically fine but were taken to the hospital for check-ups.
A Preventable Tragedy?
Detroit Police Captain Nathan Duda expressed his sadness and frustration, saying, “This was unnecessary. It didn’t have to happen this way.”
The incident has raised questions about the city’s response to homelessness.
Mayor Duggan admitted that the mother had reached out to the city’s homeless response team at least three times, but there was no follow-up.
Systemic Failures
The mayor acknowledged that there were beds available at a shelter just a few miles away from where the family was parked.
He said, “It’s gotta make us rethink everything that we’re doing. The heartbreaking part of this is that there were family shelter beds available just a few miles away.”
The city had added 400 shelter beds this winter, but it seems that the services were not effectively communicated to those in need.
What’s Next
The city will investigate the incident from a housing services standpoint, and Mayor Duggan has called for a re-evaluation of the city’s response to homelessness.
The tragedy has highlighted the need for better communication and access to services for those struggling with homelessness.
As Captain Duda said, “It brings home the point that having services available doesn’t mean very much if the residents who need them don’t know how to access them.”