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Residents urge independent audit of CARES and ARPA homelessness spending after child deaths
Summary
Multiple callers asked the council to investigate how CARES Act and American Rescue Plan Act funds were spent for homelessness services and affordable housing, citing gaps in services after two children died from exposure.
Several public commenters asked the committee to investigate how federal pandemic-era funds were used for homelessness and homelessness prevention services.
Danica (Meeko a) Williams, who identified herself as a resident and lifelong Detroit citizen, urged the council to “follow the money” and requested an independent audit of CARES Act and ARPA funds allocated to homelessness programs and local providers including Wayne Metro and CAM. Williams said she was not certain whether promised analyses had been completed and expressed concern that funds may not have prevented recent deaths of children who froze to death.
Betty A. Varner, president of the Sault (Saulte) Ellsworth Black Association, offered condolences to the family of the children and described service gaps. A separate caller identified as “We see you” requested audits of ARPA-funded wraparound services administered by the city’s Housing and Revitalization Department.
The committee chair replied that council members had supported budget and CDBG funding and noted the mayor said his office would review homelessness programs; the chair said members would continue to ask questions and explore options to expand capacity. No formal audit motion was recorded during the meeting.
