In an unusual turn of events in Midland, Michigan, authorities discovered a woman had been secretly living inside the sign of a local Family Fare supermarket for almost a year. The incident, which unfolded in late April, has sparked local and national interest, highlighting both the unusual resourcefulness of an individual and the broader issue of housing insecurity.
Midland Police Department officers were called to the Family Fare at [address of Family Fare in Midland, Michigan – need to look this up if available and relevant, otherwise omit for now, keep it general Family Fare Supermarket Midland Michigan] following a report of a person residing within the store’s signage. Upon investigation, they found a 34-year-old woman who had created a living space inside the large Family Fare sign, complete with flooring, a makeshift desk, a printer, computer, coffee maker, and personal belongings. It remains unclear exactly how the woman initially accessed the interior of the sign.
According to Brennon Warren, Public Information Officer for the Midland Police Department, the discovery was made by contractors working on the roof of the Family Fare building on April 23rd. “They noticed an extension cord coming out of the sign’s door and realized someone was inside,” Warren explained. The sign, situated on top of the building, is estimated to be 10 to 15 feet in length, 8 to 10 feet in height, and about 5 feet deep, offering a surprisingly enclosed space accessible via a door from the rooftop.
Exterior of Family Fare supermarket with prominent signage
Police officers made contact with the woman, who reportedly cooperated fully. “They knocked on the door and she opened the door up and they essentially told her ‘Hey, you can’t be here,’ and the interaction was rather brief. She fully understood,” Warren stated. The woman was released at the scene without facing any charges. However, she was informed that returning to the premises could result in trespassing charges. Officers also offered her resources for homeless services, which she declined.
Store personnel at the Family Fare supermarket in Midland were reportedly unaware of the woman’s presence on the roof, although they had noticed her around the store previously. The woman informed officers that she had been living inside the sign for approximately a year. Officer Warren, a veteran of the Midland Police Department for a decade, expressed his astonishment at the situation. He noted that in his 20 years with the department, neither he nor his colleagues had encountered anything similar. While they frequently assist individuals experiencing homelessness by providing information on resources for food and shelter, this particular case was unprecedented.
The woman was permitted to gather her belongings, carrying some with her immediately and arranging with Family Fare staff to retrieve the remainder of her property later. She left the rooftop using the contractors’ ladder.
SpartanNash, the parent company of Family Fare supermarkets, released a statement acknowledging the incident at their Midland, Michigan location. The company commended its store associates for their compassionate and professional response to the situation. The statement further addressed the wider context of the event: “Ensuring there is ample safe, affordable housing continues to be a widespread issue nationwide that our community needs to partner in solving. Out of respect for privacy for the individual involved, we will not be sharing further comment.”
The incident in Midland throws a spotlight on the pressing issue of affordable housing in Michigan. Data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition indicates a significant shortage of affordable rental homes in the state. Michigan faces a deficit of 188,895 rental homes affordable and available for individuals with extremely low incomes, impacting a considerable portion of the population. This translates to insufficient housing options for families with very limited financial resources, underscoring the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals in securing stable housing. The case at the Family Fare supermarket in Midland serves as an extraordinary example of the lengths individuals may go to in the face of housing insecurity.
