Today, something extraordinary happened at Genesis House II, one of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries’ shelters. A homeless woman, with nowhere else to turn, found safety under our roof—and in an unexpected turn of events, she gave birth right here at the shelter.
It all happened so suddenly. She went into labor, and though EMS was called immediately, they couldn’t arrive in time. But God’s grace was at work, and so were our heroic staff members, who didn’t hesitate for a second. With incredible courage, they helped bring a new life into the world, ensuring that both mother and baby were safe and cared for. When EMS finally arrived, the miracle had already happened—the baby had been delivered successfully, and both mother and child were in good condition.
This moment speaks volumes about our Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries staff’s dedication, compassion, and training. Their ability to respond in a crisis, commitment to serving the most vulnerable, and unwavering love for those in need made all the difference.
But this story is more than just a testament to our team—it sheds light on the harsh reality of homelessness. What if this mother had nowhere to go? What if DRMM didn’t exist? No woman should ever have to bring a child into the world on the streets—no newborn should start life without the warmth of shelter, the embrace of safety, or the hope of a future.
This is why Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries exists. We fight daily to provide shelter, dignity, love, and hope because every person matters—every mother, child, and soul in need.
Today, we celebrate a new life, a new beginning. And we recommit ourselves to being the hands and feet of service in this city.
Join us in making a difference. Because without DRMM, stories like this could have ended in heartbreak. But with your support, they end in miracles.
The Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries has stepped in to provide a home for a young mother who tragically lost her two children to hypothermia while facing homelessness.
We extend our deepest gratitude to DRMM leadership for preparing this home with fresh paint, new furniture, appliances, and food to support her healing journey.
Our COO, Dr. Barbara Willis, prayed over the home and the family, asking for comfort and renewal.
We are honored to partner with the City of Detroit to be a beacon of hope for those in need.
DRMM offers warming centers for men, women, and children that will provide additional help from traditional shelters, including overnight shelter, two meals, showers, sleeping accommodations, and housing assistance services to residents experiencing homelessness.
AVAILABLE 24/7!
For more assistance, call CAM (Coordinated Access Model) at 313-305-0311 or the Detroit’s Housing Services Helpline at 866-313-2520 for help.
Additional warming centers and respite locations across Detroit are open during the Code Blue ordinance to provide shelter from the cold, including two overnight respite locations operating through Tuesday. February 18th.
They are Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries at 13130 Woodward Avenue, which is open now through Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 11 a.m. and The Pope Francis Center at 2915 W. Hancock will open Sunday at 6 p.m. through Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 11 a.m.
After the tragic news story broke about the mom and her 5 kids who slept in their van overnight in a casino parking, and 2 of the kids freezing to death, local media called DRMM to get a response and also resources for those who may be experiencing homelessness.
Investigators believe a mother and five children were inside a van at the parking garage for the Hollywood Casino in Detroit.
Around 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, the mother noticed that her 9-year-old son wasn’t breathing, police said.
The mother called a friend, who took the child and the mother to Children’s Hospital, according to authorities.
While those three were at the hospital, the children’s grandmother called and said another one of the kids — a 2-year-old girl — had also stopped breathing, police said.
The friend returned to the van, and the girl was also taken to the hospital.
Police said both children were pronounced dead at the hospital. It is believed they froze to death.
“I feel sad, very sad, especially as a father,” Detroit police Capt. Nathan Duda said. “I just can’t imagine what the family is feeling. I wish it hadn’t happened.”
Circumstances surrounding deaths
At this point, investigators believe the mother drove the van into the parking garage around 1 a.m. Monday and went up to the ninth floor.
At some point in the morning, the van ran out of gas. Temperatures dropped into the teens that night.
Police said they think the family was living in the van and called the two deaths “preventable.”
“I know that they had an address on the east side in an apartment complex, but her, the mother, and the other family member that ended up conveying the children — they said that they were unsheltered,” Duda said. “They didn’t have a residence to go to.”
What happened to mother, other 3 children?
The three surviving children were taken to the hospital for evaluation and treatment. They were born in 2011, 2016, and 2020, according to authorities.
Police said those children are expected to be OK.
Children’s Protective Services is involved.
The mother sat down to speak with detectives, they said. She has not been arrested, but officers said they haven’t yet ruled out the possibility of charges.
“I don’t think anyone really wants to think about that at the moment, with the two children passing,” Duda said. “But the reality is that the circumstances do have to be examined. We have to figure out how to go forward.”
Resources available
With police believing that the family was living in the van, they wanted to remind everyone that there are resources available for anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation.
“There’s actually respite centers or relief centers all across the city,” Duda said. “There are so many resources available, and these resources will keep families together. The children and the mother may stay in the same spot, in the same building. That way, the family is maintained. It’s kept whole. They have each other for support. This was unnecessary. It didn’t have to happen this way.
“I would just ask that people be aware of those that are in need. If you see somebody who appears unsheltered and it’s sub-zero or cold weather, please call 911. We’ll come. We’ll help.
“We’ll show up with all the right people to be able to offer resources to transport, to feed, to clothe, to give that person shelter. We do care. That’s a call we would like to get.”
“That story really kind of affected me, too, because at one point in time, I was the mom sleeping in the car with her children, and it kind of hurt me because at any point in time, it could have been one of my children being in that situation,” said Charlisa Williams, a mother of five children.
Williams said she found the home her family needed at the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries’ women’s shelter.
“It’s just very important that people understand that you don’t have to be outside,” said Chiara Clayton, of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries.
“There’s nothing wrong with asking people for help,” Williams said.
Both Williams and Clayton want anyone who needs help to know that it’s always available.
“We don’t turn people away,” Clayton said. “So even if there’s a situation where there isn’t a city ordinance, if someone comes to one of our shelters and needs services, we’re going to help them.”
The Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries is considering a partnership with different places where people might stay to live out of their vehicles. They’ll talk to employees and attendants at those places so that helpful information can be relayed to people who need it.
If you ever find yourself without shelter during cold temperatures, you can call the Detroit Housing Assistance Hotline at 866-313-2520.
Derick is the Digital Executive Producer for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.
Join us for Motor City Recovery Night, a special evening celebrating individuals in recovery and raising awareness about living sober!
DRMM is proud to partner with The Phoenix – Detroit to bring you this special night of Detroit Basketball!
Highlights of the Event:
Pre-Game Panel Discussion: Featuring mocktails courtesy of The Congregation and a discussion lead by recovery advocates, community leaders to highlight opportunities to strengthen the movement and support a sober lifestyle.
Post-Game Court Shot: A unique opportunity to take a shot on the court after the game!
Exclusive Motor City Night T-Shirt: Included with your discounted ticket purchase.
Cheer on the Detroit Pistons as they take on the Denver Nuggets while supporting a great cause.
A portion of every ticket sold ($5) will benefit the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries’ treatment services.
Special Ticket Options:
Sober Section Available
All-You-Can-Eat Package: Includes unlimited pop, hot dogs, nachos, and more!
As we pause to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded of his unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and the transformative power of love. Dr. King didn’t merely dream; he acted. He marched, he spoke, and he stood firm against waves of opposition to create a world where dignity and opportunity belong to everyone.
At Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), we hold his legacy close to our hearts, not as a distant memory but as a living, breathing call to action. This day is more than an occasion—it’s a challenge to each of us to embody the leadership, compassion, and courage that Dr. King demonstrated.
Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” On this day, let us take that question personally. How can we rise to the challenge of lifting those who have stumbled, feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, and bringing hope to the hopeless?
Here at DRMM, we have the privilege of answering that question every single day. Whether it’s providing meals to those in need, offering a warm bed to someone without a home, or helping individuals rediscover their potential, we are not merely remembering Dr. King’s vision—we are working to realize it. But this mission is bigger than one organization. It is a call for a movement.
Today, I invite you to step into the spirit of Dr. King’s leadership:
· Be a Leader in Your Community: Find ways to uplift others. Volunteer at DRMM, join a community project, or lend a hand to a neighbor in need. Leadership doesn’t always come with a title—it starts with a heart willing to serve.
· Be an Advocate for Justice: Speak up for those whose voices are unheard. Whether in conversations, at the ballot box, or through acts of kindness, your influence can help build a more just and equitable society.
· Be a Catalyst for Change: Support organizations like DRMM that work tirelessly to make a difference. Every act of generosity, no matter how small, is a step toward transforming lives.
Dr. King dreamed of a world where “justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.” That dream is not yet fully realized. The work is not yet done. Let us honor his memory not just with words, but with the kind of action that makes waves of change.
I believe in the power of people coming together for a purpose greater than themselves. On this day, let us not only celebrate Dr. King’s legacy but also carry it forward, lighting the way for future generations to live in a world that reflects his dream.
