A woman in Michigan was found living in the rooftop sign of a grocery store with flooring, a Keurig coffee maker, and a computer. The 34-year-old woman had been living there for about a year and was not charged with anything. The police were called by store staff members on April 23 when contractors working on the roof discovered her. The building was estimated to be between 15 to 20 feet tall, with the space where she was living being about 10 to 15 feet in length, five feet wide, and approximately six to eight feet high. The woman was instructed to leave the sign, and the store planned to help her retrieve her belongings at a later time. She was provided with information on homeless services in the area but declined assistance.
In addition to the flooring, Keurig, and computer, the woman had a mini desk, printer, pantry, and other miscellaneous items inside the sign. The police mentioned that they had not encountered a situation like this before. SpartanNash, the company that operates Family Fare, where the woman was found, commended their associates for handling the situation with compassion and professionalism. The company acknowledged the widespread issue of affordable housing in communities nationwide and stated they would not be providing further comment out of respect for the individual’s privacy.
Saralyn Temple, the executive director at Midland’s Open Door, a crisis shelter and soup kitchen, noted an increase in people seeking help in various ways. The organization typically saw around 40 people for lunch daily but now sees around 50 individuals. While the case of the woman living in the Family Fare sign was unusual, Temple mentioned that it was not new to them, as they regularly see people living in tents, cars, or storage units. These living situations are often unsafe and reflect the broader issue of homelessness in the community. Midland, with a population of about 42,500 in 2022, had approximately 9 percent of residents living in poverty, highlighting the need for affordable housing and food assistance.
The woman found living in the grocery store sign was not charged with any crime and was allowed to leave the area without incident. The police did not specify how she accessed the rooftop sign but noted the unique living situation and the challenge of retrieving her belongings. SpartanNash, the company operating the store, emphasized the importance of addressing the widespread issue of affordable housing across the nation. Saralyn Temple from Midland’s Open Door mentioned the increase in people seeking help and highlighted the different living situations homeless individuals face in the community. The organization regularly assists individuals living in tents, cars, or storage units, underscoring the urgency of addressing homelessness and poverty in the area.
Midland, located northwest of Detroit, had a population of approximately 42,500 in 2022, with around 9 percent of residents living in poverty. The poverty rate often leads to individuals being overlooked and the extent of housing and food insecurity being underestimated. The case of the woman living in the rooftop sign of the grocery store sheds light on the struggles faced by those living in poverty and the need for more accessible resources and affordable housing options. The community must work together to address these pressing issues and provide support for vulnerable populations in order to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all residents.
