Taylor Restaurant Offers Free Meals to Seniors Displaced by Southgate Fire

A devastating fire erupted at the American House Senior Living Community in Southgate, leaving dozens of seniors without a home.

In response, Salute Taverna, a beloved eatery in Taylor, is stepping up to support those affected.

Owner Donna Ficaj has announced that the restaurant will provide free meals to the displaced seniors for the next two weeks.

"Hopefully, it’ll give them a little bit of comfort and sense of being, a sense of normalcy," Ficaj expressed.

The fire, which occurred on Friday night, resulted in the complete destruction of the senior living facility.

Thankfully, all residents were evacuated safely, with only minor injuries reported.

However, the loss of their homes and belongings has been profoundly distressing for many.

One such resident, 80-year-old Joyce Richardson, lamented, "Everything I owned — everything — that Rick (my nephew) brought in, it's gone."

Recognizing the immense upheaval faced by these seniors, Ficaj hopes that offering warm meals can provide a semblance of normalcy during this challenging time.

"At that age, to lose your home and all your belongings, their whole world is probably turned upside down," she noted.

Since initiating the free meal program, Salute Taverna has already served approximately 30 meals.

The complimentary meals are available from Sunday through Wednesday for the next two weeks.

Ficaj emphasized the community's role in supporting the initiative, stating, "The community has been so wonderful to us, and I want to give back. I want to make that difference."

In addition to Salute Taverna's efforts, the Southgate Senior Center has been overwhelmed with donations from the community, transforming into a hub of support for those affected.

From clothing to personal care items, the generosity has been immense.

For those seeking assistance or wishing to contribute, the Southgate Senior Center is located at 14700 Reaume Parkway.

As the community rallies together, the collective support serves as a testament to the resilience and compassion of the Downriver area.

Through acts of kindness, such as those by Salute Taverna and countless others, the path to recovery becomes a shared journey.