Her Flint home is being taken over by squatters while she is hospitalized.
Neighbors say police won't help.
FLINT, Mich. — Neighbors on Flint’s north side say a vacant home is being repeatedly targeted by squatters and thieves while its longtime resident remains in rehabilitation following a hospital stay, raising concerns about police response and neighborhood safety.
The home on Cummings Avenue has been vacant for about a year after the woman who lived there was hospitalized and entered rehabilitation, according to neighbors. Residents say people began breaking into the property within the last month, stealing belongings and damaging the home.
Kevin, a neighbor who has helped maintain the property, said residents tried to make it appear someone was still living there in hopes of preventing break-ins.
“Because I care about her,” Kevin said. “She’s a nice lady.”
He said squatters eventually realized the homeowner was no longer there and began entering the house and taking items. He said neighbors confronted some of the individuals and captured video of at least one person leaving the home with belongings.
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Kevin said he informed the homeowner about the situation.
“I called and talked to her and she cried and cried,” he said.
Michael, another neighbor, said residents have repeatedly contacted law enforcement but have seen little response.
“We called the Flint City Police several times, and they only came out once,” Michael said, adding that state police responded on other occasions when city officers did not. He said neighbors were often told officers would respond when available but said they never arrived.
Michael said the woman is unlikely to return to the home because of the damage.
“She’s not going to be able to come back to the home that she lived in for years,” he said.
Flint City Council member Tonya Burns, who represents the area, said the property is one of several homes in the neighborhood that have experienced break-ins and squatting. She said residents have reported homelessness, drug activity and discarded needles in the area.
Burns said neighbors have witnessed people carrying items from homes while waiting for police response.
“I understand we have a lot going on and high-priority calls,” Burns said. “But at some point this is a priority.”
She also expressed frustration over what she described as a lack of response to calls involving break-ins, gunfire and other neighborhood concerns. Burns urged city leaders to focus additional attention on the area.
“I would ask him, please take concern in our area and please make our area safe,” Burns said when asked what she would tell Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley.
Neighbors also said the property’s owner bears responsibility for maintaining the home, but they believe little action has been taken. Burns said the house has deteriorated to the point that demolition may be necessary.
Residents say they are seeking action from city officials, police and the property’s owner as the homeowner remains in rehabilitation and unable to return.