
WHO WE ARE
OUR HISTORY
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.
We serve youth and children in the Detroit Area that are transitioning out of homelessness and poverty.
OUR IMPACT
Impact numbers are based on the July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021 fiscal year

590
900+
7000+
Children and youth served through COVID-19 outreach and DPC Programs
COVID-19 care packages
of essential goods and services distributed to youth and families
Hours of virtual programming (mental health support, tutoring, financial literacy, and more)
75
200
10,000
Face masks
distributed
Gallons of hand sanitizer distributed
Days of emergency shelter provided via hotel vouchers covering 17 households
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
---|---|---|
![]() |
OUR TEAM

Founder & CEO
Courtney Smith

Senior Case Manager
Robert Cooper

Senior Youth Advocate
DeAndra Matthews

Acting CFO
Marshawn Pettes

Marketing Manager
Titus Johnson

Senior Youth Advocate
Tarra Hicks

Operations Manager
Chantel Hicks

Program Coordinator
Chella Bluth-Rosenberg

Senior Youth Advocate
Alex Hicks
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:
Armani Arnold
Sierra Devoe
Alex Hicks
Rosa Hicks
Tarra Hicks
India Jones
DeAndra Matthews
Ajanae Robinson
Jemica Stewart
Cherise Tatum
Azaria Terrell
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

Founder & CEO
Courtney Smith
(ex-officio)
Detroit Phoenix Center