78-year-old Thelma Taylor is a proud homeowner again. A lot has changed since late April when her old house on Birwood was firebombed. Police believe whoever did it got the wrong house. Taylor and her dog, Mercedes, narrowly escaped and needed a new place to live.
"What was so important to all of us who are helping her, including Thelma, was to pick a neighborhood that was safer and clean and had occupants in every house," said Bonnie Fishman.
She coordinated the effort to purchase a foreclosed home after generous donors contributed $25,000 to a fund setup through the non-profit group Summer in the City. Volunteers from the group will repair and help renovate the house.
Taylor didn't have homeowner's insurance and her future was uncertain, but not anymore.
"I'm happy, happy, happy. I'm ecstatic," she said. "I didn't know that anybody cared that much for me. It's beautiful."
"She keeps saying 'I didn't deserve this' and of course she did. She's the most amazing woman I have ever met," Fishman said.
Taylor has spent her whole life helping others cooking and cleaning for local families, volunteering, feeding the homeless and organizing clothing drives for those in need. This time, people came forward just for her.
Whoever is responsible for the firebombing on Birwood is still out there. The family says no one was ever arrested in the case.
However, out of the ashes came the spirit of giving. The house should be ready for Taylor to move in by mid-July.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:22 PM EDT2013-05-16 01:22:48 GMT
A Detroit-based startup is taking off and installing green energy systems across the globe. They are taking a unique approach using a network of expert "freelancers."
A Detroit-based startup is taking off and installing green energy systems across the globe. They are taking a unique approach using a network of expert "freelancers."
Monday, May 13 2013 6:19 PM EDT2013-05-13 22:19:48 GMT
A suspect is in custody after a bomb scare at Westland City Hall. We're told a man held a worker hostage as SWAT teams surrounded a building on Ford Road. Nobody was hurt.
A suspect is in custody after a bomb scare at Westland City Hall. We're told a man held a worker hostage as SWAT teams surrounded a building on Ford Road. Nobody was hurt.
Saturday, May 11 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-12 01:28:26 GMT
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing was among dozens of volunteers who came out to clean up various neighborhoods Saturday. It was all part of Motor City makeover, now in it's second weekend.
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing was among dozens of volunteers who came out to clean up various neighborhoods Saturday. It was all part of Motor City makeover, now in it's second weekend.
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:01 AM EDT2013-05-19 04:01:16 GMT
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:55:04 GMT
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said Don Graunstadt.
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said the CEO of North American Operations for the electric car company.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:19 PM EDT2013-05-18 02:19:58 GMT
It can creep up on you without you realizing it. One day you step on the scale and you're obese. That's what happened to a St. Clair Shores woman who never though she would lose the weight.
It can creep up on you without you realizing it. One day you step on the scale and you're obese. That's what happened to a St. Clair Shores woman who never though she would lose the weight.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:43 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:43:34 GMT
Sabrina Gianino was found dead with a cord around her neck inside a Grosse Pointe Park home early Thursday morning. The medical examiner has ruled her death a homicide.
Sabrina Gianino was found dead with a cord around her neck inside a Grosse Pointe Park home early Thursday morning. The medical examiner has ruled her death a homicide.
Thelma Taylor (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
