Woman Found Living in Supermarket Store Sign with Computer and Coffee Maker for a Year, Police Say

Contractors found the woman’s living space on the roof of a Family Fare Supermarket in Midland on April 23, according to police.

In an unexpected discovery, police in Michigan shared that a woman had been living inside a supermarket store sign for around a year.

Contractors, while working on the roof of a Family Fare Supermarket in Midland on April 23, uncovered an unusual living setup occupied by the woman, as noted by the Associated Press and USA Today.

Midland Police Officer Brennon Warren affectionately referred to her as “the Roof Ninja,” per MLive.com. This nickname was well-earned due to her stealthy residence.

“She essentially made it home,” said Officer Warren. Indeed, the woman had made a snug living space in the top part of the triangle-shaped sign, gaining access through a discreet door.

Inside, there was “some flooring that was laid down,” along with practical items like a mini desk, clothing, a Keurig coffee maker, a printer, and a computer.

How she accessed the roof remains a mystery. The woman explained to officers that she had been living there for about a year, MLive.com reported.

“People would see her from time to time and then all of a sudden she would vanish,” Warren said to USA Today. “No one really knew where she went but no one ever indicated or thought that she would be up on top of the roof.”

The woman decided to leave shortly after officers approached her about her living condition. She was advised to leave and was escorted from the premises.

The police informed her about various services available for people without homes, but she declined the assistance. No charges were filed.

Interestingly, the woman is reportedly employed, though not at the Family Fare. SpartanNash, the company that owns Family Fare, commented on the situation, praising the employees for their compassionate and professional handling of the matter.

Adrienne Chance, SpartanNash’s spokesperson, stated, “Ensuring there is ample safe, affordable housing continues to be a widespread issue nationwide that our community needs to partner in solving.”