In a case that is appalling the nation, Tateona Williams, a Detroit mother of five who was living with her children in a van, had contacted homeless services and shelters multiple times, but received no help. “I’ve been on the City list [for shelter] for a long time,” Tateona told Fox News. “Every time I reach out they say they don’t have family beds.” On a freezing February night she sheltered in a cold casino parking garage, where two of her children froze to death, there in the brutal winter in an American city in the richest and most powerful country in the world. Those who failed her are now talking about criminalizing her for this terrible tragedy. Others say we will see many more deaths like this as the Trump government moves to slash and dismantle the already inadequate programs that help the homeless and poor. —Editor’s Note
Maureen Taylor, of the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization, posted the following statement on social media, in response to this terrible story:
“Watched a news story about a Detroit Mom with 5 kids all under 13 years of age, who had been living in her van. Mom drove the van to one of the downtown casino parking lots and parked, probably using that lot as a safe space while they turned the van heater on and off. Hours later, the 2-year old stopped breathing and one of the others stopped breathing also, so once Mom discovered this, she called family for help, and they all were transported to the hospital. The two children froze to death, and now folks are looking at Mom to see who is responsible for this unspeakable nightmare. What kind of country is this? What kind of people are we? Why do we allow this kind of outrageous poverty to exist that pushes families into decisions where they find themselves overwhelmed. This treacherous economic system we live with is to blame for this. Mom could have done better if she had known better. My heart hurts and I wish we could find a way to KILL POVERTY once and for all. My fear is, this situation is not isolated as there are people and families living in similar circumstances all across the area. Lord, Help Us!”
Dozens of outraged, saddened, caring people from the community responded to Maureen Taylor’s social media post. Here are a few comments, once again illustrating that the American people want a humane system that cares for all people:
“This is so sad. This should not happen in America. Many people believe this couldn’t happen in America. But until we see extreme poverty as a threat to our country, nothing will change. It doesn’t help that our congress is made up of mostly rich people. The poor mom was no doubt doing the best she could, so I hope no one tries to blame her and bring criminal charges against her.”
“I saw this an hour ago – my God! Richest man in the world going after Medicaid and a family freezes to death here. Money for everything else except for those who struggle. How can we support this family?”
“This is supposed to be the greatest country in the world, but it doesn’t look like it to me. We have homeless families living in vehicles, children going to bed hungry, and so many not knowing what is going to happen tomorrow. We’re supposed to leave the world a better place for future generations, we have a lot of work to do.”
“This horrific news comes on the heels of what a newly elected MAGAt proposed in “Indian Country”, Oklahoma. She introduced a bill to make it illegal for all local governments (except cities with over 300,000 population) to help homeless people. Only Tulsa and Oklahoma City have that many people. All other cities and townships were to be ordered to stop any and all programs they had to help the homeless.”
“So sad..I hope she don’t have charges brought against her.. She’s been through a lot already… Nobody can judge a mother that’s been put in that position for real. Or understand how she felt without emotional support. There’s many factors that could’ve lead her to make that decision… God bless her and the kids she have left.. her mom was homeless also…”
“Immoral. Inhuman. system getting worse with the oligarchy in charge. Protect everyone you can.”
“Very sad, the right to decent housing for all people.”
“Pre fab homes can be built en masse for the struggling poor and homeless. Instead they fund billionaires to dismantle services, implement laws and policies to jail us, and not enough shelter to keep children safe from the elements. I can’t stand this system. I can’t stand it.”
