Earlier in February, the story of a mom in Detroit, shocked people after her children froze to death while sleeping in their car. The mom, Tateona Williams, spoke out about her children and the horror of losing them. Williams’ story sparked an important conversation about homelessness.
Williams claimed that she had tried to use the city’s resources to no avail. After repeatedly asking for help, she got nowhere, which led to her family sleeping in the car to keep warm.
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CBS News reported that Williams has been living in a shelter for the past few weeks since her children’s deaths. On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, the city of Detroit, along with the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, provided Williams and her two surviving children with a home that will be free for a year.
Chad Audi, president and CEO of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, worked with the city to provide the home, as well as furniture and food. “We were saddened today after hearing about what happened and we decided to put things into action and not talk about it,” Audi told CBS News.
“We prepared this house that we own at Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries. We had to fix it, prep it, furnish it and then give them a good start so they don’t have to go one day without food or being outside at all anymore.”
Deputy Mayor Melia Howard, also committed to supporting Williams. “It’s just important for me to let them know that we’re not just here for today. We’re going to be with them as long as they need us,” she told The Detroit News via MLive.
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And as for Tateona Williams, she’s trying to focus on the good. “I love the house. I think it’s wonderful. I like it and I think it’s wonderful,” the mom told CBS News. “It actually means a lot. It’s a lot I’m going through right now, so this makes me happy because I was sad today. I have been having a rough day all day today.”
She said she still thinks of her two kids, 9-year-old Darnell and 2-year-old Amillah, every day.
“I am really happy. It might not look like it but I am, so I really appreciate everything everybody has done for me here,” she said.
