Unique temporary housing unit that allows homeless fathers and their children to live together

HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. (WXYZ) - “It’s my own and I don’t have to share,” said Rasheed Muhammad.  The 9-year-old will have a bedroom to call his own for the first time in almost a year.

“A lot of things and bad things happened in my life,” said Rasheed.  The fifth grader is homeless.  When his father Anthony lost his job last year they also lost their home.

“We haven’t seen his mother in years.  We don’t know where she is,” said Anthony Muhammad.

The father and son couch surfed until friends and relatives could no longer help and they even suggested that Anthony temporarily give up his son until he got back on his feet.

“I just didn’t want to be without him, period.  Period,” said Anthony.  So Anthony turned to the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries.  The nonprofit organization is moving them into a two bedroom apartment in one of their buildings in Highland Park.

“This is a place where can come in, catch their breath basically.  Get support services, and get skills if the father needs a job.  Get a place where they don’t have to worry about their children,” said Dr. Chad Audi, President and CEO of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries.

It is the first program of its kind in the state to allow homeless fathers to live together with their children until they can find permanent housing.  Usually, men are separated from women and children.  The group has ten apartments made possible from a $200,000 grant from the Helmsley Charitable Trust based out of New York City. 

The apartment means that Anthony and Rasheed will not have to worry about where to sleep tomorrow. 

“They really, really, have good hearts around here,” said Anthony.

The housing is not a permanent solution.  All men who come with their children are expected to be actively searching for jobs and can receive counseling and training on how to live on their own again.

To learn more about the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, you can visit their website: http://www.drmm.org/