Viewers help elderly woman struggling in run-down house

DETROIT (WJBK) - FOX 2 told you about Doris Billingsley, an elderly woman in dire need of help on Detroit's east side.

We are starting to see some progress.  A few days ago, Doris' backyard looked like a forest - but people came out today and start working, clearing out branches and brush.

When FOX 2 first introduced her, she was struggling in her.

"People think that when you're old, you're supposed to die," she said. "It's not true."

Doris was in desperate need of massive home repairs, a new roof and landscaping help, she contacted FOX 2.

"We grabbed a couple employees to come out here this morning and just started growing to work," said one volunteer.

"The bushes and trees were up on the door, she couldn't open the door," said Lawanda Billingsley, her niece.

"I was afraid to sleep at night, I'm glad I don't have to leave my house," she said. "I've been here 40 years."

Marcellus Ball is a sergeant with the Detroit Police Department. He decided to spearhead efforts to help her, even calling on the chief of police for his support.

There's more to policing than just going out there and arresting the bad guys," Ball said. "We provide a service and I think it would be a crime for me as a police officer not to help Doris."

Doris' birthday is around the corner making the help even more special.

"This is my birthday present, my birthday is next week, I'll be 74 years old," she said.

Doris' roof still needs repairs and there is plenty of work left.

If you would like to help, contact fox2newsdesk@fox2detroit.com