A free place to live for a year in Michigan? Don't sign up for it just yet...
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (30397)
May 11, 2024 3:06am CST
I heard this on the news earlier, then I stumbled on the article.
It was discovered that a 34 year old woman had been living in a rooftop grocery store sign (YES, you read that right--she lived in the sign!) for a year. Some contractors working on the building discovered an extension cord and then her little home inside the sign. There was a desktop computer and a little desk, a printer, and a coffee maker, clothing, and such. It is quoted in the article that the roof sign is about 5 ft. wide, 8 ft. tall, but not how long it is.
The woman told the police she did have a job, but evidently could not find any affordable housing.
Is this a sign of what's to come, in many more instances? Can you even imagine how terribly cold it had to have been, spending a Michigan winter inside of a sign, on a roof?? A person who has a job, but still can't afford a place to live? I have read of such happenings in many other places, people being found all over the world living in sheds, tents, boxes, dumpsters, abandoned homes, and such. But inside of a sign, in the winter? BRRRRR....!!!
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/may/10/michigan-woman-living-inside-store-sign
11 people like this
11 responses
@annierose (19879)
• Philippines
11 May
That's a remarkable and concerning story. It's heartbreaking to hear about someone living in such extreme conditions due to the lack of affordable housing. Unfortunately, stories like these are becoming more common as housing costs rise in many areas, making it difficult for some individuals to find suitable living arrangements despite having jobs. It's a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many in our communities and the need for more accessible housing options and support systems.
1 person likes this
@annierose (19879)
• Philippines
12 May
@MarieCoyle The issue of affordable housing is indeed pressing, affecting communities globally. When individuals are unable to secure stable housing despite having employment, it underscores systemic issues that need addressing.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (30397)
•
12 May
@annierose
I know my area has many homeless shelters. They are all full all the time, and there is a waiting list. It is also my understanding that tent sales are now off the charts, because people want some type of shelter, any type at all.
@just4him (310351)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
11 May
@MarieCoyle Pride is an awful thing.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (30397)
•
11 May
@just4him
It is.
But I thought about it another way, too. She was trying to be independent, yes. Pride? Maybe...but honestly, when a person invades the property of someone else, be it a business or a home, and stays there, uses their resources, etc. pride pretty much goes out the window.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (30397)
•
11 May
It is my understanding that she was offered help but refused it. Even the owner and employees of the store offered to help her.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (158219)
• United States
12 May
I wonder how much she benefited from the heat rising. Probably not a whole lot. It is too bad homes are getting so unattainable.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (30397)
•
12 May
I read online yesterday that many, many seniors are now living in their car, because they cannot afford to pay rent anymore.How sad is that?
@akalinus (40977)
• United States
11 May
I can feel the chill. I am very grateful to have a place to live. That woman is very resourceful. She found a place and made it her own. I hope she had one of those small ceramic heaters or tacked something on the walls to help stop the wind.
1 person likes this
@akalinus (40977)
• United States
11 May
@MarieCoyle It probably was very cold up high in the icy wind like that. Maybe she had warm clothes. She had a job and the temperature was perhaps better there.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (30397)
•
11 May
@akalinus
I kept thinking of the bone-chilling winds...and how lucky she was to live through it.
1 person likes this
@marymary621 (128)
• Ogden, Utah
12 May
That is so horrible and unfortunate. It is hard to find affordable housing, I don't know how the prices are in Michican, but here in Utah it is awful! Around here you are lucky if you can find a 2 bedroom basement apartment for 1200 a month and that's not including any utilities except maybe water.
I don't see how the younger generation are going to make it!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (30397)
•
12 May
I have read of families doubling up, all living together rather than have separate homes, seniors living in cars, others who are working that are living in their car or van, I feel very fortunate to have a place to call my own!
@MarieCoyle (30397)
•
11 May
I know people are desperate at times and can think up some wild solutions.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (30397)
•
11 May
Thank you, Dr.
I am just sorry that these things happen. She even has a job. But the rents were too costly for her.
@LindaOHio (160629)
• United States
12 May
There but for the grace of God go us. That's a real pity. I hope they found a place for her. Have a good day.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (30397)
•
12 May
I thought of that, too. We never know for sure what the future holds for us all.
1 person likes this
@jnrdutton (2645)
• United States
11 May
I read about this earlier, and it's a wonder that she survived.
I feel sorry for her and other people that have to resort to this kind of thing.
1 person likes this
