Detroit Rescue Mission Addresses Veteran Housing Concerns

Following a Local 4 report detailing alleged poor living conditions for veterans in a Highland Park apartment building, the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), which operates the facility, invited reporters for an inspection. The visit on November 19, 2025, aimed to dispute claims made by residents regarding issues like lack of heat and faulty smoke detectors, sparking a debate between management and some veterans.

Allegations Surface in Highland Park

Veteran Voices Concerns

The investigation began after veteran McKinley Dalton shared his experience of living without adequate heat and a working smoke detector in his Highland Park apartment. His account highlighted severe living conditions, prompting Local 4 to bring these concerns to public attention.

DRMM Invites Inspection, Disputes Claims

In response to the initial report, DRMM President and CEO Chad Audi provided access to the veterans’ housing facility. Audi asserted during the visit that the building’s heating system was functional and expressed a willingness to address any genuine issues.

Mixed Feelings from Residents

Despite Audi’s assurances, several residents reported ongoing heating problems. McKinley Dalton reiterated that there had been no heat, though he noted his unit felt “a little warm” during the inspection. Another veteran confirmed buying a space heater, describing his unit as “an ice box” previously. Even Terry Almond, grateful for the housing, wished the “heat to work better.”

Concerns were also raised regarding smoke detectors. Dalton claimed some units had their detectors disconnected the week prior. While his own was reconnected before the tour, and another resident confirmed a reinstallation on Wednesday, Audi disputed Dalton’s claims, stating he wasn’t “telling the whole truth.”

Insights into DRMM’s Mission and Response

Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries positions itself as a leading provider in the fight against homelessness and substance abuse. Many residents offered positive testimonials, such as Sheldon Cage, who expressed extreme gratitude for DRMM’s assistance. However, when pressed about the discrepancies between management’s claims and resident complaints, Chad Audi appeared to take issue with the line of questioning from Anchor/Reporter Will Jones.

Key Issues at a Glance

What’s Next for Veteran Housing?

The situation in Highland Park highlights the critical need for transparent oversight and consistent living standards for those who have served. As DRMM continues its work, ongoing communication and swift resolution of resident concerns will be crucial to ensure the well-being of veterans housed in their facilities.

FAQs About the Veteran Housing Situation

• What is the main controversy?
  Allegations of poor living conditions, including lack of heat and disconnected smoke detectors, in a veteran housing facility in Highland Park operated by Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries.
• Who made the initial complaints?
  Veteran McKinley Dalton, among others, shared concerns about his living situation with Local 4 News.
• How did Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries respond?
  DRMM invited Local 4 for an inspection, where President and CEO Chad Audi refuted some claims, asserting heat was functional and questioning the accuracy of all allegations.
• Were there any positive comments from residents?
  Yes, some residents, like Terry Almond and Sheldon Cage, expressed gratitude for the housing program, even while acknowledging some issues like heating.

Ensuring safe and dignified living conditions for our veterans is paramount. Community members and organizations must continue to advocate for and monitor these facilities to uphold the standards our service members deserve.

DRMM disputes veteran housing claims