More than 80 senior citizens have been displaced after a massive fire broke out at the American House assisted living facility in Southgate Friday night.

The fire started around 10 p.m., forcing elderly residents to evacuate with just the clothes on their backs.

All residents and staff members were accounted for and escaped without severe injuries, according to officials.

"They're all elderly so they're going to need a lot of help," said Karen Richardson, whose aunt Joyce Richardson was among the displaced residents.

Richardson arrived at the facility around 10 p.m. after learning about the fire and described the dramatic scene.

"There were like seven or eight different fire trucks here and the flames were just shooting way above these trees," Richardson said.

Her aunt had minimal belongings when she evacuated.

"All she had was a night gown on and a bathrobe, she had nothing else, no shoes, no socks," Richardson said.

The American House facility is located on Allen Road. Body camera footage from Southgate Police shows officers evacuating the building as smoke filled the air.

Joe Marsh, the public safety director for the city of Southgate, said evacuating the building presented unique challenges.

"Challenges because of the mobility issues that we encounter from several of the residents. The senior residents, some of the residents had memory care issues," Marsh said.

Community volunteers stepped up to help with the evacuation efforts, Marsh added.

"Citizen volunteers coming in to assist us. Even our court administrator, retired police officer came in and assist us driving a transport vehicle so the goal was to remove people from the site to our temporary relocation center," Marsh said.

Jodi Portice's father lost everything in the fire, including his medication. She was able to replace some of his prescriptions through the VA in Ann Arbor.

"Anybody else who is a veteran Detroit is open all day as well as Ann Arbor, they're open during the weekend and since all his meds where there I was able to get everything," Portice said.

The Southgate Senior Center collected donations for displaced residents but announced Saturday afternoon that no additional donations were needed.

Despite the devastating loss, Richardson said she remains grateful for the outcome.

"Things can get replaced, people can't," Richardson said.

The cause of fire is still being investigated.

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Minister Malik Shabazz, a longtime Detroit activist, who has spent decades fighting for his community is now fighting a life-threatening illness.

Watch Tiarra's report in the video player below Detroit community rallies around minister Malik Shabazz as he battles for life in hospital

Shabazz is currently dealing with multiple infections, more than two years after suffering three heart attacks. Despite his health challenges, the community organizer remains optimistic and determined to continue his work.

"It lifts me up, it gives me hope, it gives me the energy to go on and it lets me know that I am loved and my work is not in vain," Shabazz said.

The activist was hospitalized on Sunday as doctors monitored the infections, including one that could potentially damage his LVAD heart pump device.

"We got the news from the doctors about these infections and the one over here might burst and mess up my LVAD and my heart pump," Shabazz said.

When asked how he was feeling, Shabazz responded with characteristic resilience.

"Hopeful, optimistic," he said.

"God brought me through each time, each time to finish this work and that's what I am going to do."

Even while battling his health issues, Shabazz says he is not done fighting for justice and wants to continue sharing his message of peace.

"Stop the killing, stop the violence, we don't have to do that," Shabazz said.

Shabazz is one of the original founders of Detroit 300, a community organization aimed at combating crime and violence in the city. His dedication to protecting Detroit's residents has made him a respected figure in the community.

"Anytime, anything is going on that was endangering our children, these gas stations, these shootings, Minister Shabazz was there, he was one of the first ones on site," said Arthur Edge, a member of Detroit 300.

Edge is among many community members wishing Shabazz a speedy recovery.

"To my brother, I thank you for everything you have done. You are one of the great heroes of the city of Detroit," Edge said.

Despite his current limitations, Shabazz remains eager to return to his community work.

"I feel better and I'm ready to go out there I'm ready to get out there in the streets, but I can't right now but soon. I got to do some more healing," Shabazz said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Thousands of runners are expected to flood downtown Detroit on Sunday for the Free Press Marathon, and local businesses are gearing up for the economic boost that comes with the annual event.

Watch Tiarra's report in the video player below

Detroit businesses prepare for economic boost from Free Press Marathon Sunday

Holly McClain, owner of Olin Bar and Kitchen on East Grand River, said her team is prepared for the influx of hungry marathoners and spectators.

"We get an uptick of people all weekend which is great for us especially on Sunday," McClain said.

More than 26,000 runners are expected to participate in this year's race, which starts at 7 a.m.

McClain said the restaurant sees customers both before and after the marathon, with many taking advantage of their Sunday brunch that starts at 10:30 a.m.

"We get right before the marathon, after the marathon. We have a Sunday brunch starts at 10:30 so we see a lot of guest from the marathon," McClain said.

When asked if runners come hungry, McClain was ready with an answer.

"They do come hungry and we're ready to feed them. All of them," McClain said.

The restaurant owner said she's excited about the continued growth and development in downtown Detroit, particularly with new businesses opening nearby.

"It's great when our neighbors open up businesses especially having the Hudson site right next door to us and more businesses coming in and bringing more people to Olin," McClain said.

The Free Press Marathon generates significant economic impact for Detroit. Last year, the race brought in more than $23 million for the city.

Beyond the economic benefits, the event also raises money for various charities including the Alzheimer's Association of Michigan and Boy Scouts of America.

"The more people that come down to Detroit, we're excited about it," McClain said.

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