A Detroit family's home turned into a toxic nightmare when severe mold contamination took hold at Alden Towers apartment complex. In October 2024, KaDeidra Copeland and her partner DaQuan Grantham moved into unit A210, bringing with them their infant. However, it soon became apparent that the apartment was infested with mildew.
Copeland would notice a strong smell whenever she visited the apartment, which she described as "stuffy." Her partner began to experience frequent and severe nosebleeds, prompting him to seek medical attention. The couple didn't know what was causing these symptoms until months later when one of their children nearly ingested a paint chip that had mold on it.
The air quality in the unit was hazardous, with Grantham stating that the mold had black dots on it and was found beneath air vents throughout the apartment. Maintenance workers came to the apartment but failed to address the issue properly. Initially, they told the couple that there wasn't any mold present, contradicting the findings of a later professional remediation company.
Lab results revealed Ascomycetes species, basidiomycetes species, and cladosporium species, common fungi associated with moisture intrusion and indoor mold growth. Grantham's symptoms worsened over time, including requiring emergency nasal surgery due to his inability to breathe out of one side of his nose.
Copeland also began to experience chronic hives and swelling near her eyes, necessitating the use of an EpiPen and steroids. She would often wake up itching and remains fearful of mold exposure anywhere she goes. The family's infant was also affected, waking up screaming and developing rashes, hives, and pink eye.
As their situation worsened, the couple repeatedly asked Alden Towers management for help but were ignored. They requested temporary relocation while the mold issue was addressed, which was denied. Audio recordings from the pair support these claims.
The family ultimately had to throw away nearly everything they owned due to fear that it was contaminated by mold. Grantham's ankle suffered an injury after he slipped on a staircase during their eviction in August 2025. The family's security deposit was never returned, leaving them without financial recourse.
The experience has left Copeland traumatized and changed her perception of housing and safety. She emphasizes that no one should have to endure such conditions, especially not with children present. Grantham is still trying to rebuild his life after the apartment fell apart.
The Alden Towers complex faces numerous complaints, including broken elevators, mold, flooding, overflowing trash, roach infestations, unsafe hallways, and a management company that tenants say is indifferent and punitive. The building was purchased by a company tied to Belfor Holdings Inc. in 2019, which has been cited six times for various violations since then.
The family's case highlights the need for adequate housing regulations and tenant protections. Residents have picketed outside the building and sought help from city officials, arguing that management has failed to address longstanding habitability issues. The situation at Alden Towers serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing public health and safety in affordable housing.
Copeland would notice a strong smell whenever she visited the apartment, which she described as "stuffy." Her partner began to experience frequent and severe nosebleeds, prompting him to seek medical attention. The couple didn't know what was causing these symptoms until months later when one of their children nearly ingested a paint chip that had mold on it.
The air quality in the unit was hazardous, with Grantham stating that the mold had black dots on it and was found beneath air vents throughout the apartment. Maintenance workers came to the apartment but failed to address the issue properly. Initially, they told the couple that there wasn't any mold present, contradicting the findings of a later professional remediation company.
Lab results revealed Ascomycetes species, basidiomycetes species, and cladosporium species, common fungi associated with moisture intrusion and indoor mold growth. Grantham's symptoms worsened over time, including requiring emergency nasal surgery due to his inability to breathe out of one side of his nose.
Copeland also began to experience chronic hives and swelling near her eyes, necessitating the use of an EpiPen and steroids. She would often wake up itching and remains fearful of mold exposure anywhere she goes. The family's infant was also affected, waking up screaming and developing rashes, hives, and pink eye.
As their situation worsened, the couple repeatedly asked Alden Towers management for help but were ignored. They requested temporary relocation while the mold issue was addressed, which was denied. Audio recordings from the pair support these claims.
The family ultimately had to throw away nearly everything they owned due to fear that it was contaminated by mold. Grantham's ankle suffered an injury after he slipped on a staircase during their eviction in August 2025. The family's security deposit was never returned, leaving them without financial recourse.
The experience has left Copeland traumatized and changed her perception of housing and safety. She emphasizes that no one should have to endure such conditions, especially not with children present. Grantham is still trying to rebuild his life after the apartment fell apart.
The Alden Towers complex faces numerous complaints, including broken elevators, mold, flooding, overflowing trash, roach infestations, unsafe hallways, and a management company that tenants say is indifferent and punitive. The building was purchased by a company tied to Belfor Holdings Inc. in 2019, which has been cited six times for various violations since then.
The family's case highlights the need for adequate housing regulations and tenant protections. Residents have picketed outside the building and sought help from city officials, arguing that management has failed to address longstanding habitability issues. The situation at Alden Towers serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing public health and safety in affordable housing.