A New Approach to Homelessness in Detroit Following Tragic Loss
The City of Detroit has unveiled a comprehensive response plan following the devastating deaths of Darnell Currie Jr. and A’Millah Williams Currie. The new report, requested by Mayor Duggan, aims to enhance the city’s emergency services for its homeless population. The Mayor has committed to the immediate implementation of the proposed measures.
The report, acknowledged by Mayor Duggan, was crafted with the efforts of Deputy Mayor Melia Howard and Housing & Revitalization Department Director Julie Schneider. It highlights the initiation of the “Immediate Shelter” housing plan that began in December 2024, aiming to address the needs of Detroit’s homeless. It also identifies the gap in communication that left the Williams/Currie family unaware of available resources while they lived in their van in parking structures.
“We must make changes so no Detroit family ever again suffers a tragedy like this,” stated Howard, emphasizing the need for expanded access to shelter beds and services, particularly for families with children. Schneider further added, “It is not enough to have services if those most in need don’t know they exist. We must implement these 7 steps to make sure every Detroiter in need of emergency shelter knows there is a place for them and that they can access it.”
Seven-Point Plan to Enhance Emergency Response
The report outlines a 7-point strategy that Mayor Duggan plans to activate without delay:
Require Site Visits for All Families with Minor Children
Outreach workers will be mandated to conduct site visits when calls are received from families with minors facing immediate shelter loss. This aims to address the 76% of calls where individuals already have shelter, complicating the assessment of their needs.
Give Special Attention to Finding Families in Vehicles
Detroit Police and outreach teams are tasked with locating families living in vehicles, focusing on parking structures and other potential sleeping areas. This effort includes collaboration with Street Outreach teams to provide safe accommodations.
Expand Helpline to 24 Hours
The Detroit Housing Resource Helpline will now operate around the clock, offering assistance to those in need beyond regular business hours, ensuring continuous support for the unsheltered.
Double Number of Drop-In Beds
The Immediate Shelter system will see an increase in drop-in center beds from 110 to 220 within a three-month timeframe, accommodating anticipated higher demand due to expanded outreach efforts.
Expand Night Outreach Teams
An additional outreach team will operate from 6 PM to 2 AM, enhancing the city’s ability to provide assistance during critical nighttime hours.
Continue Successful Use of Police Precincts as Havens for Safety & Referrals
Police precincts remain available as safe havens for those in emergency situations, with 25 individuals having already sought refuge and assistance at these locations.
Expand Street Outreach & Education
Efforts will be made to disseminate resource information in accessible locations such as bus stops and gas stations, targeting individuals who may not have access to traditional news sources.
The full report is available for public viewing on the City’s official website. Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Howard recently assisted Tateona Williams and her family in moving into a fully furnished home provided at no cost by Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries for the next year.
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