Courtney Smith

Courtney Smith: Detroit Phoenix Center exists to improve the outcomes for youth and young adults ages 14-24 who are at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. Our mission is to empower unaccompanied youth with support that they need to improve their health and wellness. Our team has lived experience which has propelled us to make a change in our community. We have all overcome some of the things that many Phoenix Center youth are experiencing. In addition to our Asset Center, we have the Rise Care Package Project with Wayne County Comm. College TRIO program and Trailblazers Youth advisory council. Our administrative offices are in Bamboo Detroit and our new center is easily accessible for youth, located at Woodward and Gladstone.

What was your experience with BUILD? 

CS: BUILD Institute was an invaluable experience for me. It challenged me to move beyond charitable giving as the main source of revenue for my organization but to consider diversifying funding streams so that my organization can be sustainable. Delphia challenged me to think out-of-the box regarding sustainability for an organization and maximizing everything that we have at our disposal. BUILD was very useful for the exchange of resources and knowledge and I’ve met lots of people in the class and the city.

“Delphia challenged me to think out-of-the box regarding sustainability… and maximizing everything that we have at our disposal.”

 

What’s next for Detroit Phoenix Center?

CS: We are building relationships with young people to serve as advocates and educating the community on issues that our youth face. We are partnering with the community to make a difference with an awareness fundraiser to help us with sustainability.