Philadelphia Toddler Found Wandering Alone
A missing toddler was found wandering in Philadelphia Friday night. Witnesses spotted 2-year-old Jeremiah walking barefoot, wearing only a green long-sleeve shirt, black running pants and a diaper, and flagged down the police, according to NBC 10.
Around the same time, the boy's parents, Angelique Roland, 27, and Michael Jones, 24, reported him missing.
The family had been kicked out of their apartment and, with no place to stay, were spending the night in Love Park. They were sleeping behind cardboard boxes, underneath the Fairmount Park Welcome Center, according to the Daily Mail.
"If I had somewhere to go, I would be there," said Roland, according to ABC. "I am not out here on the streets with my kids on purpose."
No charges have been filed against the parents at this time, but Jeremiah and his 4-year-old sister were placed in the Department of Human Services' custody.
Chosen 300 Ministries has decided to raise money for the family to help them get a decent place to live for the sake of their children.
"Chosen 300 has launched a campaign to raise $12,000 in 12 days to secure housing for this family for one year. In addition, our staff will be working with the family to provide case management, money management and social services to move them toward self-sufficiency," wrote a spokesperson for the organization in a press release. "We know this family as they have come to our mission often to receive meals. We have witnessed their love and care for their two children, but have fallen on hard times."