DETROIT – Detroit mother Tateona Williams, 29, who recently lost two of her four children due to possible cold exposure, has been given a new home, per NBC News.
The family had been living in a van when the tragedy occurred.
The city of Detroit and Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries shared a video of Williams receiving the keys to her new home.
The organization provided new furniture and appliances and will conduct regular check-ins to assist Williams.
The family will stay in the freshly painted house for a year, and officials with the Detroit Rescue Mission said it would do regular check-ins and help Williams create a long-term housing plan.
Williams' children, Amillah Currie, 2, and Darnell Currie, 9, died on Feb. 10 after their van ran out of gas inside a Detroit casino parking garage.
--> Hear from the mother of 2 children who died in a Detroit casino parking garage
The temperature in Detroit was around 12 degrees, with wind chills of six degrees.
According to police, around 1 p.m. on Feb. 10, Williams noticed that her 9-year-old son was not breathing at the Hollywood Casino garage.
Williams called a friend, who took the child and her to Children’s Hospital, according to police.
While those three were at the hospital, the children’s godmother 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 2-year-old girl was also taken to the hospital.
Officials said both children were pronounced dead at the hospital. It is believed they froze to death.
Detroit police Chief Todd Bettison mentioned that the family had been seeking shelter in the casino parking garage.
The incident raised concerns about the city’s support systems for people experiencing homelessness.
--> Extreme cold, snow in Metro Detroit activates respite locations
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced a review of the family’s assistance request, noting that Williams had reached out for help in November and earlier.
The city expressed its condolences and support for the family on social media, emphasizing their commitment to offering love and compassion.
