A mother asked Detroit for help after her kids died from freezing in a van.

Detroit's mayor wants to assess the city's homeless services.

February 13th 2025.

A mother asked Detroit for help after her kids died from freezing in a van.
A mother is heartbroken and devastated after losing two of her children to the bitter cold in a Detroit casino parking garage. Tateona Williams, the grieving mother, shared her family's struggle with homelessness and how she had reached out to Detroit's homeless response team multiple times for help. Despite her efforts, she and her four children were left with no choice but to spend the night in their van.

On the fateful morning of February 10th, Williams woke up to find her two-year-old and nine-year-old children unresponsive. In a state of panic, she immediately called a friend who rushed the children to the hospital. Sadly, the medical team was unable to save them, and they were declared dead due to hypothermia. The family's van had run out of gas during the freezing night, leaving them vulnerable to the harsh weather.

Feeling immense guilt, Williams expressed her regret for having to sleep in the van with her children. She shared that she constantly apologizes to her children for the difficult situation they had to endure. Williams also revealed that she had tried everything in her power to find shelter for her family, including paying for hotels, but nothing worked out for them. In an interview with WXYZ News in Detroit, she tearfully explained her struggles.

Currently, Williams is staying in a homeless shelter, while her two surviving children are staying with relatives. The tragic incident caught the attention of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who confirmed that Williams had contacted the city's homeless response team on November 25th last year, seeking help as they had nowhere else to go. According to Duggan, the city's protocol is for a family outreach worker to assist families facing homelessness in an emergency. However, in this case, no one reached out to Williams, and they received no assistance.

During a press conference, Mayor Duggan vowed to conduct a thorough review of the city's homeless services, stating that steps must be taken to prevent such tragedies from happening again. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that every individual has access to safe and warm shelter. Detroit city officials have urged anyone who is homeless or in imminent danger of homelessness to reach out for assistance by calling 313-2520. After 6 p.m., they can also visit any Detroit police precinct for help.

In conclusion, the devastating loss of two young lives has shed light on the flaws in the city's homeless services and has sparked a call for change. It is a reminder that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, deserves to have a warm and safe place to call home. As the community mourns the loss of these innocent children, it is crucial that we come together to ensure that no family has to go through a similar tragedy.

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