Mother And Two Children Found Living In Self-Storage Unit

A mother and her two children were found living in a self-storage unit in Trenton, New Jersey. The 27-year-old woman and her 5 and 10-year-old sons were apparently using the tiny storage locker as their home.

Trenton police initially arrested Sheena Johnson for criminal mischief associated with slashing her boyfriend’s tires. While in custody, Johnson reportedly confessed that her two sons were alone inside an Extra Space Storage unit.

As reported by NJ.com, Trenton Officer Robert Arnwine went to the storage facility to find the children. Extra Space Storage employees initially denied his request for access, but cooperated when he told them about the children.

Both boys were found locked inside a small storage unit that Officer Arnwine described as “just filthy.”

The storage units are only meant to store furnishings and personal belongings. They do not have electricity, heat, plumbing, or running water. The mother and her children were reportedly living in a unit that was 5×10 feet, and completely filled with belongings.

Both children were taken to the Capital Health Regional Center for evaluation. As reported by Trentonian.com, the children were found to be “a little dirty, but not injured.” They have both been released into the custody of the Department of Youth and Family Services.

Their mother has been charged with two counts of second-degree child endangerment by the Ewing police. She is currently incarcerated.

The Trentonian reports that the storage facility previously had problems with people living in the storage units, but it is not tolerated.

Ewing Mayor Bert Steinmann contacted other local self-storage facilities to alert them to the possibility of people using the units for housing.

Steinmann states that he is thankful that the children were found unharmed. He suggests that the mother and two children, found living in the self-storage unit, should have asked for help. Mayor Steinmann specifically mentioned the County Board of Social Services and two organizations called “Women’s Space,” and “Homefront,” that provide financial assistance or housing to local families in need.

*Slideshow of the actual storage unit