A 34-year-old woman was discovered living in the rooftop sign of a grocery store in Michigan, complete with flooring, a Keurig coffee maker, and a computer. She had been living there for approximately a year before being found by contractors working on the roof. The police were called by store staff members, and the woman was asked to leave without incident. She had set up a small space in the triangular sign on the rooftop of a Family Fare store, estimated to be about 10 to 15 feet in length, five feet wide, and approximately six to eight feet at its highest peak.
The woman was not formally charged with anything, and the authorities provided her with information on homeless services in the area, which she declined. SpartanNash, the company that operates Family Fare, commended their associates for their compassionate response to the situation, noting that the issue of safe, affordable housing is a widespread concern that requires community collaboration. Midland’s Open Door, a crisis shelter and soup kitchen, has seen an increase in the number of people seeking help, with about 50 people coming in for lunch daily compared to the 40 they used to see regularly.
The executive director of Midland’s Open Door stated that while the situation of the woman living in the Family Fare sign may seem sensational, it is not uncommon for people experiencing homelessness to find shelter in unique places. The organization encounters individuals living in tents in the woods, cars, or storage units on a weekly basis, highlighting the dangerous lengths people are forced to go to because of the lack of safe housing options. Poverty in Midland affects approximately 9 percent of the population, making it difficult for those living below the poverty line to access necessary resources and support.
The woman found living in the sign had a mini desk, printer, pantry, and other miscellaneous items in addition to the flooring, Keurig, and computer. While Officer Warren had not encountered a situation like this before, he noted that his colleagues had not either. The store intended to retrieve all of the woman’s property at a later time, showing a level of empathy and understanding towards her circumstances. The woman was not interested in accessing homeless services, indicating a complex issue related to willingness to seek help among individuals experiencing homelessness.
The story of the woman living in the rooftop sign sheds light on the challenges faced by people living in poverty and experiencing homelessness in communities like Midland. The need for safe, affordable housing is a pressing issue that requires collaboration among various stakeholders. Organizations like Midland’s Open Door play a crucial role in supporting individuals in need, but the extent of homelessness in the community may still be underestimated due to the invisibility of those living below the poverty line. The woman’s situation serves as a reminder of the diverse and often desperate circumstances faced by individuals struggling to find shelter and stability in challenging circumstances.
