Detroit Phoenix Center

We have BIG news to share! Our remarkable CEO, Ms. Courtney Smith, has been named a 2025 Detroiter of the Year by #hourdetroitmagazine—this prestigious honor reflects the incredible strides we’ve made together at Detroit Phoenix Center. From: -Opening a drop-in center at a local high school -We helped secure $5.7 million in HUD funding for the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project -Launching a youth-centered Rapid Rehousing Program (currently being documented by University of Michigan - Poverty Solutions) -Advocating on Capitol Hill for the Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act -Ensuring young people have real decision-making power in shaping their future …it’s been a humbling journey led by Ms. Courtney’s vision and passion for our city’s youth. Along the way, we’ve watched our young leaders speak boldly for the U.S. Department of Education, lead workshops with True Colors United, and shine as thought leaders across DC, Baltimore, New York, and beyond. Our One Night Without A Bed—Every Youth, Every Mile campaign recently won the Community Engagement Award from the National Runaway Safeline, mobilizing young people to be changemakers and generating vital funds for youth in Detroit. We couldn’t be prouder of Ms. Courtney for this well-deserved recognition. It belongs to every champion, ally, staff member, and especially the incredible young people who trust us to walk alongside them as they forge brighter futures. #hourmagazinedetroit #hourmagazine #metrodetroit #nonprofit

A huge thank you to the #motorcitycruise for recognizing Detroit Phoenix Center during halftime in celebration of Women’s History Month! ?? At DPC, we are proud to be a #womenled organization driven by a deep commitment to service, advocacy, and empowerment. Our leadership team—made up of resilient, passionate women—works daily to create safe spaces, provide essential resources, and champion policies that uplift young people experiencing housing insecurity. We are honored to stand alongside the leaders, nurturers, pioneers, and everyday heroes making an impact in our community. Join us in continuing this work! Learn more about how you can support by visiting https://lnkd.in/ex4ZAeu9. #Detroit #WomensHistoryMonth #DetroitPhoenixCenter

We recently hosted our Landlord Meet & Greet Mixer, bringing together property owners and community advocates to discuss the urgent need for safe, stable housing for youth in Detroit. Our Rapid Rehousing Program is powered by the HUD-funded Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project and offers: ?? Rental Assistance & Housing Placement ?? Employment Leads & Career Support ?? Educational Resources & GED Support ?? Mental Health & Wellness Services ?? Medical, Dental & Childcare Assistance ?? Legal Aid & Financial Literacy Workshops ?? Transportation & Grocery Assistance The collaboration of landlords, community partners, and supporters is critical in expanding housing options and creating pathways to independence for youth. If you're a landlord interested in partnering with us to help house Detroit’s future leaders, please reach out to Sade Beck at [email protected] or 313.482.0916. #DetroitPhoenixCenter #DetroitHousing #HUD #RapidRehousing

This #WomensHistoryMonth, we had the incredible opportunity to take a group of girls from our SOAR After-School Program to the Detroit Pistons Girls Dream Big Summit—an experience designed to inspire, educate, and uplift young girls to see beyond limitations and into possibility. Through speed mentoring, financial education, a basketball clinic, and networking opportunities, our SOAR scholars were able to engage with powerful women leaders, gain essential life skills, and dream beyond boundaries. And what better way to wrap up the experience than courtside at a Pistons game? ?? Our mission is to provide opportunities that nurture leadership, personal development, and self-confidence—and this summit was a perfect reflection of our Education & Employment and Youth Leadership & Activism pillars in action. Thank you to the Detroit Pistons for hosting such a meaningful event and for continuing to create spaces where young girls can see who they are, who they can become, and all that is possible for them. ?? #DetroitPhoenixCenter #DetroitPistons #Ally #GirlsDreamBigSummit #WomensHistoryMonth

Thank you Homeless Action Network of Detroit for this AMAZING feature! This is the work that fuels our mission. #HAND #HomelessActionNetworkDetroit

Today, we celebrate the resilience, culture, and spirit of our city—the very things that fuel our mission at Detroit Phoenix Center every single day. From providing housing & basic needs to youth, to creating pathways through education & employment, to fostering mental health & wellness and empowering youth leadership & advocacy—our work is a reflection of Detroit’s heart: strong, determined, and full of possibility. As we continue to uplift and champion Detroit’s young people, we honor the legacy of our city by ensuring that every youth has access to the resources, care, and opportunities they deserve. #Happy313Day #313Day

#WomensHistoryMonth #HomelessActionNetworkofDetroit #AlternativesForGirls #NeighborhoodServiceOrganization

Today, on #InternationalWomensDay, we honor the trailblazers, changemakers, and community builders who have paved the way for progress and continue to inspire generations to come. Women are the backbone of our communities, and their contributions in leadership, advocacy, education, and service create lasting impact every day. At #DetroitPhoenixCenter, we are especially proud to uplift the voices of young women and girls who are boldly stepping into their power, advocating for change, and shaping a future where equity and opportunity are accessible to all. From our Youth Action Board leaders using their lived experiences to influence policies, to the resilient young mothers in our programs working towards stability for their families, we see the strength of women in action every day. We also celebrate the phenomenal women leading the charge—the dedicated women on our team and across the nonprofit sector who work tirelessly to provide safety, opportunity, and hope for Detroit’s youth. We commit to breaking barriers, amplifying voices, and creating pathways that allow every young woman to thrive. #WomensHistoryMonth

We are incredibly proud to share this mini-documentary created in partnership with University of Michigan Poverty Solutions that highlights the power of youth leadership in shaping Detroit’s first youth rapid rehousing program. We believe that young people must be at the center of the solutions that impact them. This project embodies that belief—our Youth Action Board (YAB) members and young leaders with lived experience played a vital role in designing a housing-first model that provides stability, wraparound support, and dignity to Detroit’s youth. Thank you to #UniversityofMichiganPovertySolutions McGregor Fund, and #MoonReflectionsPhotography & Videography for capturing the heart of this work. ?? Watch the trailer and see how Detroit youth are leading the way!

As we celebrate eight years of service, we knew that this moment called for something special—something bold, uplifting, and deeply rooted in the strength of our community. The Black Joy Kickback was exactly that: a declaration of resilience, love, and power in a time when uncertainty and hardship have weighed heavily on so many. Instead of giving in or giving up, this event was our way of challenging complacency and standing firm in the belief that Black joy is a radical act of defiance and hope. We gathered with intention—to affirm the brilliance of Black youth, families, and community members who shape and enrich the world around us. From games and music to delicious food and generous giveaways, the energy in the room was undeniable. We created space for laughter, healing, and the reaffirmation that we are worthy of celebration—not just in February, but always.