WHO WE ARE
OUR STORY
As someone who has experienced housing insecurity in Detroit firsthand (in addition to watching friends and family members struggle with similar experiences) our Founder and CEO, Ms. Courtney, set out to explore the programs and best practices being implemented in other communities across the country in search of solutions. In doing so, she wanted to bring new ways of problem-solving back to her hometown to ensure youth transitioning out of homelessness and poverty greater access to the vital resources they need.
This desire led Ms. Courtney to embark on a transcontinental journey on-board the Millennial Trains Project (MTP) in 2016. This program acted as a social incubator for aspiring change-makers who were not only crazy enough to believe that they could change the world - but actually set out to do it.
While aboard the train, Ms. Courtney conducted focus groups with youth and spoke with thought-leaders around the youth homelessness space in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Milwaukee, Denver, and Detroit.
Many of the young people that Ms. Courtney came across felt like their voices were being suppressed and that the best ways to serve youth experiencing homelessness were not being implemented in their communities. This led Ms. Courtney to work toward finding ways to amplify the voices and lived experiences of youth experiencing homelessness in Detroit and adopt a service model that had never been used before.
All of this effort materialized itself into the form of Detroit Phoenix Center, which opened in 2017 as the first completely volunteer-driven Asset Based Resource Center providing drop-in services and basic need support to teens and young adults in need.
OUR MISSION
OUR VALUES IN ACTION
Detroit Phoenix Center (DPC) provides critical resources, wrap around support, and a safe, nurturing environment to youth who are transitioning out of homelessness and poverty.
1.) Journey Oriented
2.) Trauma-Informed
3.) Non-Judgemental
4.) Harm Reduction
5.) Trusting Youth-Adult Relationships
6.) Racial Equality & Inclusion
7.) Dignity & Hope
OUR VISION
WHO WE SERVE
A world where every young person has a place to call home and the resources needed to actualize their full-potential and live out their dreams.
DPC responds to the needs of youth, ages 12-24, who are experiencing housing crisis or instability and seeking a place to belong, authentic relationships, and critical resources
OUR TEAM
Operations Director
Chantel Hicks
Workforce Development Manager
Eric Calhoun
Founder & CEO
Courtney Smith
Acting CFO
Marshawn Pettes
Marketing Specialist
Titus Johnson
Senior Case Manager
Robert Cooper
Youth Leadership Associate
DeAndra Matthews
YOUTH ACTION BOARD
The mission of the Trailblazers Youth Action Board is to strive for the elimination of youth homelessness and poverty in our region. The YAB is an interagency group of young leaders with lived experiences to inform the public about issues, identify and work to eliminate barriers to housing, employment, education, mental health, and advocate for increased resources to transition youth. Youth leaders commit to an annual retreat, attend monthly meetings, and design a year-long service-learning project that drives community change.
Youth Action Board Current Members:
Azaria Terrell
Ajanae Robinson
James Ashley
Diamond White
DeAndra Matthews
Ayanna Odom Foxworth
Bobby Square
Alan Jackson
Armani Arnold
SirCarlos Keys
Lillie Reynold-Smith
Keyanna Evans
Program Partners and Facilitators include:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Board Chair
Mary Jo Vortcamp
Manager​
Detroit Public Library
& Children's Librarian
Member At Large
Carl Bentley
Executive & Owner
Business Growth Consulting
​
Treasurer
Brandon Biddles
Project Manager
Henry Ford Health System
& Financial Literacy Advocate
Member At Large
Saloni Janveja
Digital Transformation
Ally Financial
Secretary
John C. Muhs
Associate
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
​
Founder & CEO
Courtney Smith
(ex-officio)
Detroit Phoenix Center
​
OUR PARTNERS
FUNDING PARTNERS
We are beyond grateful for the help of our Partners and could not do this heart work without them. If you or your organization is interested in becoming a Funding Partner, please contact info@detroitphoenixcenter.org
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Our Community Partners contribute to programming and other experiences that we offer to our youth members. If you are interested in becoming a Community Partner, please contact info@detroitphoenixcenter.org