HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. – Following Local 4’s report about veteran McKinley Dalton living without heat and a working smoke detector in a Highland Park apartment building, the nonprofit operating the facility invited us inside Wednesday, Nov. 19, to dispute these claims.
Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), which operates the veterans’ housing facility, provided access for an inspection after a resident’s complaints about living conditions aired in Local 4’s Tuesday report.
While DRMM President and CEO Chad Audi asserted during the visit that heat was functioning in the building, multiple residents reported ongoing issues.
“We have not had [any] heat; it feels a little warm in here right now,” Dalton stated.
Another resident confirmed purchasing a space heater for warmth, describing his unit as “an ice box.”
It was also warm in his unit. The space heater wasn’t being used at the time.
Even Terry Almond, a resident who expressed gratitude for the housing program, acknowledged heating concerns.
“I am grateful for this place because I was staying in the street because most of us were,” he said.
However, when asked about the heating system, Almond added, “Yes, I would like the heat to work better.”
A secondary issue involves allegations about smoke detectors.
Dalton claimed some units had their smoke detectors disconnected last week, a concern that sparked debate between residents and management.
“I think Mr. Dalton is not telling the whole truth,” Audi responded when questioned about the smoke detector allegations.
Dalton said his smoke detector was reconnected ahead of our tour.
At least one other resident confirmed their smoke detector was reinstalled on Wednesday.
Audi defended the facility’s conditions.
“I am listening to their concerns and [am] willing to fix if there is an issue because [when] me and you were walking inside the building today, I [didn’t] see no heat issues,” he said.
DRMM describes itself as one of the largest providers in the fight against homelessness and substance abuse in the country.
Many residents offered positive testimonials about the facility.
“It has been extremely helpful what the DRMM [has] done for me,” said Sheldon Cage, a resident.
But when pressed about the concerns shared by some residents, Audi appeared to take issue with the questioning.
“You are the one that [has] a problem with me, and I don’t understand why,” he said.
“I’m just trying to get answers,” Local 4’s Will Jones responded.