On February 10, 2025, a tragic incident occurred in Detroit where two children lost their lives due to carbon monoxide poisoning in a family van parked in a casino’s parking garage. This heartbreaking event has prompted a closer examination of the troubling trends surrounding homelessness and housing policies in the city, particularly as they pertain to children.
Recent statistics highlight a disturbing rise in the number of homeless children in Detroit. In January 2024, the Point-in-Time count revealed that 455 children were experiencing homelessness, a significant increase from 312 in the previous year, while the overall homelessness rate in the city was reportedly declining. Most of these children were categorized as sheltered, either in emergency shelters, transitional housing, or temporarily staying with friends or family, but 19 were unsheltered, forced to sleep in unsafe conditions like cars or parks.
A report from the Detroit Public Schools underscored this crisis, indicating that approximately 1 in 19 students faced housing insecurity at some point during the 2022-2023 school year—a marked increase compared to 2019-2020. The report reflects the urgency of addressing the homelessness issue as families navigate limited resources and support.
Compounding the problem, Detroit’s shelter system is suffering from inadequate funding and staffing, making it challenging for unhoused individuals to access emergency shelter beds. With the expiration of COVID-era funding that previously helped to prevent evictions, there is a growing concern that homelessness could further escalate in the city.
The mother of the deceased children had sought assistance from the city in November 2024 while staying with family. However, the city did not follow up, deeming her situation not an immediate emergency. Consequently, the family resorted to living in their van. In response to this tragedy, the Detroit mayor’s office acknowledged the failure of the system and pledged to improve shelter access and outreach to families in need.
Records show that 82% of calls made to the city’s Coordinated Assessment Model result in being placed on a shelter waitlist, illustrating the deep-rooted issues in the system. As the population of unsheltered individuals—including both children and adults—doubled from 151 in 2015 to 305 in 2024, the crisis has reached alarming levels.
Rent hikes in the city have exacerbated the situation. Since 2021, rental prices have surged by 51%, with those in low-income brackets particularly vulnerable to sudden expenses that can lead to eviction. Currently, the average fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Detroit stands at $1,314, which constitutes a staggering 41% of the median household income.
While new housing regulations aimed at improving conditions have been introduced, a report indicates compliance among landlords is dismally low, leaving vulnerable residents to suffer in substandard living situations. The ongoing challenges faced by families in securing stable housing remain paramount, and the tragic death of the two children serves as a harrowing reminder of the urgent need for systemic reform in housing policies and support services in Detroit.