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Detroit, MI ā In a devastating incident early Monday morning, two children lost their lives to the freezing temperatures while sheltering in a van parked inside the Hollywood Casino at Greektown parking garage. Authorities say the family had been living in the vehicle, which ran out of gas overnight, leaving them vulnerable to the bitter cold.
Three other children, ages 11, 9, and 4, were also in the van but survived and were taken to a hospital for evaluation. Detroit police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the heartbreaking loss of the two youngest children, ages 9 and 2.
According to police, the children's mother had navigated the van to the ninth floor of the parking structure around 1 a.m. Monday. It wasn't until nearly noon that she realized something was wrong and called a family member for help. By the time emergency responders arrived, the two children were unresponsive. They were transported to Children's Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Authorities suspect hypothermia, but official autopsy results are pending.
A Crisis of Homelessness and Shelter Accessibility
This tragedy has once again brought attention to Detroit's ongoing struggle with homelessness, especially during the brutal winter months. Rev. Faith Fowler of Cass Community Social Services emphasized the urgency of getting families indoors, stating, "Michigan winters don't discriminate. The consequences of staying outside can be frostbite, hypothermia, or even death."
Mayor Mike Duggan revealed that the mother had contacted Detroit's homeless response team on multiple occasions, including November, but no long-term solution was found. The city maintains a list of warming centers and emergency shelters, but the referral process often presents barriers for those in crisis.
Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries President Chad Audi called the current shelter placement system "broken," citing delays of 10 to 15 days for families seeking shelter. He urged immediate reforms, including a 24/7 call center with transportation services to ensure no family is left out in the cold.
Seeking Accountability and Solutions
Authorities are treating this case as a criminal investigation. While no charges have been filed, police will present their findings to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office for further review. The mother, who was detained for questioning, was reportedly devastated, repeatedly asking why she wasn't taken instead of her children.
Meanwhile, Detroit's administration has vowed to review shelter policies and make changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Deputy Mayor Melia Howard has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the city's response system, with a report due in two weeks.
As the city mourns this tragic loss, The New McFall Brothers Funeral Home has stepped in to cover funeral expenses, hoping to bring solace to the grieving family.
A Call for Change
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by homeless families and the urgent need for better emergency assistance. The heartbreaking deaths of these two children highlight gaps in the system that must be addressed.
Detroit residents and advocates call for immediate action to improve shelter access and ensure no child is left in the cold again. If you or someone you know is facing homelessness, resources are available through the city's emergency response teams and local shelters.
Let's work together to make sure no family has to endure such a devastating loss again.
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