Back in 2017, we first introduced people to Shana Risby, a young girl whose life story touched metro Detroit.

Watch Carolyn Clifford's video report: Community rallies to help grandparents who raised dozens of foster kids

Risby was born to a drug-addicted mother and given up at birth, then raised by grandparents who opened their hearts and their home to dozens of foster children.

Those grandparents are Stephen and Loretta Rodriguez. They've been married 43 years and have sacrificed their lives to care for at-risk children in foster care. They believe they've taken care of 60 to 70 kids over the years.

"I'm just grateful that I was raised by two people whose main purpose is to pour love," Risby told me about Loretta and Stephen Rodriguez.

Now, she's all grown up and living in California, and is fighting to protect both of them.

"When they told me they were going to be evicted from their home, it was really shocking to me," she said. "It's something they've never experienced before."

Now at 85 and 79, Stephen and Loretta Rodriguez were living in a home they purchased on a land contract, but it was falling apart. Risby realized they were in trouble.

They put $15,000 down, hoping for stability. But instead, it became a nightmare. Risby did some digging on the land contract holder. It was linked to Leonard Bale, a man WXYZ has been covering since the 1990s.

Watch our report on Leonard Bale from 13 years ago:

"That's when I saw all of the previous news stories, all of the victims that were impacted by him," she said. "A lot of the homes that this person sells are not up to city code."

Watch our previous report with Shana Risby below:

In this case, it was a porch crumbling, an upstairs barely accessible, a roof in disrepair and windows that don't open.

"It's very hard to make it liveable," Stephen Rodriguez said.

So, we reached out to Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. He told us his newly created Senior Justice Alliance could help.

"Part of our task force, the Elder Justice Alliance, is really networking professionals in the community that work with older adults, really experts in abuse, neglect and exploitation," Sheila Cote, the director of the Senior Justice Alliance, said.

Cote says only 1 in 24 cases of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation, gets reported. Seniors are often too embarrassed to report it.

"How difficult was it to unwind an eviction that was already moving forward?" I asked Jennifer Wilczek, the lead case manager with the Office of Senior Services in Macomb County.

"It took all month. We got the entire team from the Senior Justice Alliance involved," she said.

But saving the home was not saving this family. The alliance advised the Rodriguezes to cut their losses and move.

That's when we called on Dr. Chad Audi with Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, who offered them a fresh start.

The organization got the Rodriquezes a fully furnished home, with a living room, dining room, bedrooms, washer and dryer, new flooring and even a refrigerator stocked with groceries.

For the next two years, their home will be rent free.

And while this family now has a new beginning, county leaders say land contract disputes involving seniors are becoming increasingly common and they hope stories like this encourage others to seek help before its too late.

Where Your Voice Matters

Residents in one historic Pontiac neighborhood say they are fed up dealing with repeated flooding and sewer backups, while struggling to get clear answers from those in charge.

For homeowners in the Seminole Hills neighborhood, this isnt a one-time occurrence they say its been happening for years.

Watch Carolyn Clifford's video report below: Historic Pontiac neighborhood dealing with flooding, sewer backups

Imagine dealing with water in your basement again and again and still not knowing why it keeps happening, said resident Steve Layne, who reached out to 7 News Detroit for help.

Layne has lived on Miami Street for six years and says the problem has only gotten worse.

Its been an ongoing issue for years now from the moment I moved in, he said.Its just escalated tremendously. Pretty much everyone on this block is having backup issues.

Layne says he has contacted both the Oakland County Water Resources Commission and Pontiacs public works department, but feels like hes getting the runaround.

Nobody wants water in their basement. The other concern is we try to get answers from the county and it feels like theyre playing the blame game, he said.

About three weeks ago, Layne says crews from an out-of-state contractor suddenly showed up on his street without notice.

I dont know what work they were doing. Its been hard to even get that information, he said.

He was later told the work involved relining sewer lines. Then, more recently, another contractor appeared near his home, this time working on water lines, but Layne says no explanation was provided.

No notice on any of the work thats been done, he said.

The lack of communication has left many neighbors confused and concerned about whats happening underground.

The county is saying its the city, the city is saying its the county we just want answers, Layne said.

Even more troubling, Layne points out that water is still pooling in areas of the neighborhood even on dry days.

With no clear resolution, Layne has now contacted an attorney.

Attorney David Rubin, who has handled thousands of flooding cases across Michigan, says situations like this can be complicated. But residents have taken an important first step.

Homeowners in the neighborhood have filed a formal notice of claim within the required 45-day window, putting both the city and county on notice.

Rubin says thats critical in moving a case forward and holding agencies accountable.

Attorney David Rubin more information in the video player below: Attorney David Rubin gives homeowners tips on flooding cases

7 News Detroit did hear back from the Oakland County Water Resources Commission. A spokesperson said Commissioner Jim Nash plans to respond, but has not yet provided details.

We also reached out to Pontiac Mayor Mike McGuinness and the citys public works department, but have not received a response.

For Layne and his neighbors, the goal is simple: fix the problem.

Were not trying to play the blame game, he said. We just want this fixed.

Attorneys say cases like this can take time, but believe a resolution could come within about a year.

For homeowners here, its about more than inconvenience its about protecting their homes, their investment and their peace of mind.

Detroit has always been a city that knows how to make music. Local jazz sensation Kimmie Hornes family history comes from Hollywood royalty, including her great aunt Lena Horne, but her singing chops are in her DNA.

Because Im from a family of musicians singers, performers. My dad was a musician, Kimmie Horne said.

Watch Carolyn Clifford's video report below: Kimmie Horne talks about her music and her legacy

The gift of being a songstress came early for Kimmie Horne, who once had dreams of becoming a journalist until something extraordinary caught her ear.

When I heard, when I did, I was really blown away that it sounded like I was on the radio, she said.

It may not look like it, but shes been gracing stages as a one-woman show for nearly four decades across America and internationally in Japan.

I think its the freedom of just singing notes, rhythms, patterns, phrasings. I just love the sound of Jazz, she said.

But one of her biggest legacies is creating the Kimmie Horne Jazz Festival. Very few festivals are named after a woman.

So often, I was traveling all around the world, running into different musicians and we always talked about, we should do something together, Kimmie Horne said. And so I said Im going to have a festival and I am going to be able to bring everybody to one stage.

At the start in 2016, she quickly outgrew Lathrup Village and moved it to Southfield, where thousands flocked to see her. Over a decade, she gave nearly 100 artists an opportunity to perform and honored trailblazers that came before her. But behind the scenes, she got her own sponsors and stayed in a trailer on site as the CEO of her three-day festival.

I was really nervous about that at first because its my name on a festival, Kimmie Horne said, adding that her husband encouraged her to continue on with the idea.

She decided in 2025, a decade was enough. But now, this self-made woman is on to the next. Shes honoring the music of Sade during an already sold-out show during Womens History Month.

I wanted to really do a show where I can really hone my alto voice. And Sade reminds me a lot of me because she has a vibe. Shes all about vibe, Kimmie Horne said.

Her birthday concert at the Dirty Dogg Jazz Cafe is still to come April 30 through May 2, but theres more to unfold as she continues to evolve.

A book, documentary and writing songs are on her list of things to do next.

For women who dream of following in her footsteps, her message is simple: Believe in yourself.

Kimmie Horne says her mission has always been simple: keep jazz alive and keep Detroit proud.

One year ago Wednesday marked a turning point for Detroits Catholic community. Archbishop Edward Weisenburger formally stepped into his role during a historic ceremony at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

It's been a really wonderful transition for me, Weisenburger said.

Watch Carolyn Clifford's video report below: Detroit Archbishop speaks about his first year on the job

Two highlights of his first year were going to the Vatican and Jerusalem.

Weisenburger says hes concerned about the war with Iran in the Middle East.

I'm deeply concerned. If you look back in time and see what the popes said during the Vietnam War saying don't do this, he said. Popes have been saying don't do this to a lot of things that we look back in time and we deeply, deeply regret.

Watch more of Carolyn's interview with Archbishop Edward Weisenburger below: Detroit Archbishop Edward Weisenburger speaks on his first year leading the Archdiocese

The archbishop shared the biggest challenges hes faced over the past year.

Our restructuring of the archdiocese. Many archdioceses across the nation have gone through this, Weisenburger said.

The Archdiocese of Detroit once counted 1.5 million Catholics. Today, it's closer to 900,000, with a shortage of priests now at 224 serving 209 parishes.

We came up with some multiple models working with our priests over a series of days and over a period of time, but those now go out to every parish, Weisenburger said.

Previous report: Archdiocese of Detroit launches phase 2 of restructuring effort Archdiocese of Detroit speaks about restructuring effort

The archbishop says under his watch, the archdiocese has grown by 1,500 members.

I think young people today are really questioning the world they've been given and they're starting to look at the truths that can be found, I believe, in Christianity, Weisenburger said.

Weisenburger, 65, is a man of the people, from visiting soup kitchens to speaking openly about difficult issues like immigration.

Open border unrestricted is not sustainable, he said. To have the pendulum swing so drastically to shutting down the borders and saying well, people who are probably sentenced to death because of poverty, drug gangs, cartels, no stay out and were sorry if you die, thats too bad. These two extremes are the problem.

Watch Carolyn Clifford's video report from last year when Archbishop Edward Weisenburger was preparing for the new role: Detroit's next Archbishop talks about the future and the challenges he faces

Weisenburger spoke out against the X post from President Donald Trump of former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle being portrayed as animals.

You do what your conscious and your church's teachings says is true and then you give voice to it, Weisenburger said.

Just last week, Weisenburger pinned a five-page letter talking about the sins of the church, transparency and the healing of all who have been harmed. He has a legal team researching the records of all personnel.

On a lighter note, Weisenburger has a sense of humor. Hes not afraid to look like a local, even throwing on a sports jersey.

I'm keeping my eye on the Pistons and the Lions and the Tigers, he said. Detroiters are tough. We rise from our ashes, so Ive been really, really impressed.

A local mom says what began as a routine home repair has now turned into the fight of her life.

See the full story in the video below

Michigan vet & single mom locked in legal battle over million-dollar asbestos remediation

Cody Huseman is a single mother, a cancer nurse and a military veteran, and she's now locked in a legal battle after asbestos was discovered in her home, and remediation efforts allegedly went wrong.

How did this nightmare begin for you? I asked her.

So it began with my daughter and I coming home from a family fun night at school. I opened the front door and it looked like a waterfall was coming through my kitchen," Huseman said.

Video from March 18, 2022, shows water pouring from the second floor, running through the house and into the basement.

She said she immediately called her insurance company, USAA.

They came out the next day, or they gave me a list of vendors to pick from," she said.

Huseman told us she chose MJ White & Son in Novi. Crews arrived the next day, cut into walls, removed wet drywall and set up industrial fans.

And when the fans were running and you were still living there what did you notice? I asked.

There was just a lot of dust. And I remember asking them, Is it okay for us to be in here?'" she said.

Huseman testified she was told it was safe to return home. MJ White employees later testified they do not remember the job or what she was told.

The fans stayed for eight weeks. Industry standards say most residential water damage is typically dried within five days.

Concerned her home was still wet, Huseman said USAA advised her to hire another company.

On April 30, 2022, she hired Restoration 1 of Hartland. According to legal filings and testing results, mold was discovered in the basement where water from the original leak had collected.

At that point, she says no asbestos testing had ever been done.

Once they found the mold, they asked where my asbestos report was and I had no idea what they were talking about," Huseman said.

Restoration 1 then hired San-Air to test the home. According to the complaint, samples taken on May 2, 2022, tested positive for asbestos and mold. Air testing on May 6, 2022, also detected asbestos.

With these results, Restoration 1 brought in Global Green a company specializing in asbestos removal.

When you learned asbestos was in your home, what went through your mind? I asked.

My whole world kind of came crumbling down. All I could think about was my little girl and how long we had been breathing that air," Huseman said.

On June 7, 2022, nearly three months after the leak, Global Green told Huseman in writing that the home was safe to return to.

I went in and I was shocked," she said. There was dust everywhere. Food still in the pantry. Chunks of drywall on top of cans. It didnt look like what was supposed to happen.

She then turned to a state-sanctioned firm recommended by MIOSHA BDN Environmental.

My initial assessment just walking in was that it did not appear clean. After an abatement, there shouldnt be any dust," Matt Smith with BDN Environmental said.

BDNs final report was delivered July 15

We found air levels right at the clearance threshold. For it to be that high weeks later that was pretty shocking," Smith said.

Smith says testing showed asbestos contamination inside the home with air levels measuring at the legal limit.

If Cody and her daughter were breathing that air every day, thats a significant exposure over time," Smith said.

Cody and her daughter, now living in a hotel, received a message from USAA saying lodging and living expenses would no longer be covered.

They basically said this was taking too long, asbestos wasnt covered, and they were out," Huseman told us.

How did that make you feel? I asked.

I was shocked. Id been with them for about 20 years," she said.

USAA declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation.

Huseman now says shes paying a mortgage on a contaminated home, insurance premiums without coverage for the damage, rent for a condo and mounting legal bills.

According to court filings, her attorney estimates losses totaling more than a million dollars.

The legal fight began last year, with lawsuits and countersuits now involving multiple companies.

Huseman's attorney, John Badeen with Xuereb Law Group, says required testing should have been done before work ever began.

One simple step testing the walls before remediation could have prevented all of this," Badeen said.

Huseman said she's exhausted, but not giving up.

Cody says shes exhausted but not giving up.

There have been so many times I wanted to quit. But I have my little girl watching me. All I want is my home back and our life back," Huseman said.

I reached out to USAA, Restoration 1, MJ White & Son, and Global Green for comment. All declined, citing ongoing litigation.

A judge has now granted a stay, temporarily pausing the case while an appeals court decides whether it will take up a challenge to an earlier damages ruling.

Where Your Voice Matters

Detroit's new mayor is taking aim at violence in the city through the creation of the Office of Neighborhood and Community Safety.

Mayor Mary Sheffield says the new office will serve as a hub for violence intervention programs, crime prevention efforts and survivor advocacy. It will also focus on reducing domestic violence through conflict resolution.

Watch Carolyn Clifford's video report below: Domestic violence is a core target of Detroit mayor's new community safety initiative

She said if the city wants to stop crime, one mission will involve tackling domestic violence before it turns deadly, and giving victims a safe space to escape.

Violence in Detroit doesnt always start with a gunshot. Many times, it starts behind closed doors. I sat down one-on-one with the mayor and spoke to a survivor and advocate working to break that cycle.

Extended interview: Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield speaks one-on-one with WXYZ on new community violence initiative Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield speaks one-on-one with WXYZ on new community violence initiative

"I would get punched or I'm being drug through the house ... he would get upset and just abuse us," said Patricia Clark.

For Clark, physical abuse came from the hands of her own father and with only one domestic violence shelter in Detroit, there is often no place to run.

"You're being threatened, so you're silenced in that," she said.

Dr. LaDonna Spight has been on the front lines for 25 years. I asked her if there are enough safe spaces for victims.

"No, no not in the city of Detroit at all, there are not enough safe spaces," said Dr. Spight of Sisters Against Abuse Society.

Mayor Sheffield said breaking that cycle is key to reducing violence citywide. Domestic violence is number four on DPD's list of service calls.

"For me as a woman, I just want to ensure that we prioritize this very important issue because we know it truly impacts our communities and our neighborhoods and the safety and well-being of our residents," said Mayor Sheffield.

Related: Detroit Mayor Sheffield launches city's first community safety office to help in crime prevention Detroit Mayor Sheffield launches city's first community safety office to help in crime prevention

Mayor Sheffield said her new crime initiative focuses on neighborhoods and early intervention, and she's on the side of advocates already on the ground.

"I want them to know that through this office, they now have a space where we can advance the work that they are doing," she said.

Related Video: Press conference on the new community safety office Detroit mayor announces new community violence prevention initiative

And working hand in hand with police to help victims find a way out before its too late.

"I think it goes back to conflict resolution, how do we resolve conflict ...empower people to understand how to resolve conflict and differences?" said Mayor Sheffield.

Clark believes educating girls about abuse is key and might have saved her.

"It is really important to set aside a class or set aside a program for young women from elementary school to high school students and beyond," said Clark.

Related: Breaking Free: 7 News Detroit's series on domestic violence Breaking Free: How a mom & child walked out the door of their violent home

Mayor Sheffield said this initiative is just the beginning but for families living in fear, the urgency is already here.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24-7 at 1-800-799-7233.

Dangerously cold weather is gripping Metro Detroit, and more families are struggling just to stay warm and keep a roof over their heads.

Watch Carolyn Clifford's video report: Pontiac shelter saved by $100,000 donation

In Oakland County the second-richest county in Michigan nearly 2,700 people are waiting for emergency shelter. That's why New Birth International Church in Pontiac opened its doors to house the Safe Tonight shelter for women and children.

But after taking in 50 families, a failing furnace and roof put everyone at risk. That's when I put the power of 7 to work.

Inside New Birth International Church, every room has become a place of refuge. Families with nowhere else to go are escaping the cold and searching for safety. The church is housing more than 70 people, the majority children, in its emergency Safe Tonight shelter.

The shelter was only supposed to be open at night, but it became around-the-clock, and the strain quickly became overwhelming. The 35-year-old furnace is failing, and the roof started leaking. With temperatures plunging, the future of the shelter and the safety of those inside was suddenly in jeopardy.

Pastor Theresa Lee and her congregation refused to close their doors despite the mounting costs and growing danger. Kimber Bishop Yanke, who runs her own nonprofit and cares for homeless families, made a call to Channel 7.

That's when the power of 7 went to work.

I first called Chad Audi of the Detroit Rescue Mission. He agreed to donate 30 mattresses, hot dinners to serve at night, toiletries, and more.

Audi reached out to Mitch Albom of Say Detroit to help with staffing costs. They're asking the community to match it.

And now some extraordinary news. The Qazi Foundation has agreed to fully fund a brand-new roof and a new furnace, totaling nearly $100,000.

The news came as a complete surprise to Pastor Lee and a miracle for the families who feared they might lose the only shelter they had during these trying times.

An online fundraising effort is also underway to help fund the shelter.

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