Detroit Phoenix Center

What Detroit Phoenix Center does

Detroit Phoenix Center (DPC) is a Detroit-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2016-2017 by Courtney Smith that provides wraparound services to youth ages 12-24 experiencing homelessness and poverty. The organization operates a multi-program service stack including physical drop-in centers (Zen Zone for ages 18-24 and a general Drop-In Center), the YouthUp mobile outreach unit, Transitional Housing-Rapid Rehousing (TH-RRH) delivered through a partnership with CAM Detroit, the SOAR after-school enrichment program for McKinney-Vento eligible students in grades 8-12, a 12-week Life Skills curriculum, Summer Leadership Academy, Young Change Makers Fellowship, and the Blair Memorial Scholarship. The Youth Action Board (YAB), composed of young leaders with lived experience of homelessness, shapes organizational strategy, advocacy, and program design, while the Detroit Youth Rising podcast and Beyond The Ashes Consulting arm monetize youth voice into content and fee-for-service engagements.

The organization has no proprietary technology platform; its service delivery is human-staffed through a network of fixed locations, mobile outreach, and school-based programming, supported by a Wix-hosted website, standard donation infrastructure (PayPal, Cash App, mail-in checks), and an e-commerce merchandise line (BEYOND STORE). DPC's revenue model is donation-and-grant dependent, supplemented by merchandise sales ($6-$85.50 per item) and emerging consulting revenue. Earned media coverage spans Essence, Time, Forbes, PBS, and Detroit regional outlets; the organization holds 501(c)(3) status (EIN: 82-1262148) and is governed by a Board of Directors. FY 2023-2024 outcomes include 1,700 youth served, 1,577+ receiving education/workforce services, 365 placed in housing, and 4,800+ crisis responses handled.

Name

Detroit Phoenix Center

Legal name

Detroit Phoenix Center

Website

https://detroitphoenixcenter.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Detroit Phoenix Center is a Detroit-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing wraparound services, housing, education, and advocacy for youth ages 12-24 experiencing homelessness and poverty in Detroit, delivered through drop-in centers, mobile outreach, and school-based programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Homelessness Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Community Housing Services (62422)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Housing, Foster Care & Wraparound Support (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth Justice, At-Risk Youth & Violence Prevention Nonprofits (BPAGADAM), Homeless, Foster Care & Highly Mobile Youth Education Services (EDAJAEAG), Wraparound Student Support & Case Management Services (At-Risk K–12) (EDAJAEAJ)

Keywords

• Youth homelessness services
• Drop-in resource centers
• Youth workforce development
• Transitional housing support
• After school enrichment programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Detroit

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (EIN: 82-1262148), DPC relies heavily on public donations. Donors can contribute via PayPal, Cash App ($DetroitPhoenixCenter), or mail-in checks. All donations are tax-deductible.
2. Merchandise Sales: The BEYOND STORE sells branded merchandise including apparel (t-shirts $18-$30, hats $22), accessories (water bottles, notebooks, stickers, candles), and lifestyle products ($6-$85.50). Proceeds support programs.
3. Grants and Government Funding: DPC receives funding through grants and partnerships with government agencies for programs like Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) and rapid rehousing initiatives.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Detroit Phoenix Center provides direct, free services to youth ages 12-24 experiencing homelessness and housing instability in Detroit, including drop-in resource centers (Zen Zone for ages 18-24 and general Drop-In Center for ages 12-24) offering showers, meals, laundry, computer access, and case management. The organization also delivers after-school enrichment for McKinney-Vento eligible students, a 12-week Life Skills Program, paid workforce development through the Summer Leadership Academy, the Young Change Makers Fellowship, the Blair Memorial Scholarship, Transitional Housing-Rapid Rehousing pathways up to three years, the YouthUp mobile outreach unit, the Detroit Youth Rising podcast, and Beyond The Ashes youth-powered consulting services.

Product overview

Detroit Phoenix Center is a nonprofit organization providing a comprehensive ecosystem of programs and services for resilient youth ages 12-24 in Detroit experiencing homelessness and poverty. The organization operates on a multi-service model centered around drop-in resource centers (Zen Zone for ages 18-24, general Drop-In Center for ages 12-24), educational programs (SOAR After School Enrichment, Life Skills Program), employment and leadership initiatives (Summer Leadership Academy, Young Change Makers Fellowship, Internships & Fellowships), youth advocacy (Youth Action Board), housing support (Transitional Housing-Rapid Rehousing), and mental health services. Ancillary services include the Detroit Youth Rising Podcast for storytelling, Beyond The Ashes Consulting for advocacy consulting, the Beyond Store merchandise shop, scholarship opportunities (Blair Memorial Scholarship), and the YouthUp Mobile Unit. All services share a common goal of breaking the generational cycle of homelessness and poverty through wraparound support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Beyond The Ashes: A consulting framework powered by the Youth Action Board providing youth-driven insights through speaking engagements and strategic program design.
• YouthUp
• Zen Zone

Products and services

• Zen Zone Drop-In Resource Center A low-barrier safe space for young adults ages 18-24 who are at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness, providing showers, meals, laundry, transportation assistance, basic need items, clothing, career readiness, life skills workshops, housing crisis support, and computer lab access.
• Drop-In Center A drop-in center for youth ages 12-24 offering a safe space, recreation (video games), homework help, showers, hot meals, hygiene products, lockers, washer/dryer access, and basic needs support.
• SOAR (Students Overcoming All Risks) After School Enrichment Program A safe and educational after-school experience for students in grades 8-12 who are McKinney-Vento eligible, offering optional enrichment clubs, mental health support, showers, washer/dryer, daybeds, and lockers.
• Life Skills Program A 12-week learning initiative for youth ages 17-24 experiencing housing instability, covering mental health, sexual health, physical health, workforce development, educational development, housing rights, financial literacy, nutrition, interpersonal skills, and hygiene practices.
• Summer Leadership Academy (SLA) A paid workforce development program for youth and young adults ages 14-24 that builds essential leadership skills and explores future career opportunities through hands-on activities, site visits, meetings with community leaders, and service-learning projects.
• Young Change Makers Fellowship A 10-month program that develops leadership and advocacy skills through service learning, immersive learning, and peer-to-peer mentorships, with guided workshops from community leaders and community-wide service-learning projects.
• Blair Memorial Scholarship An annual $500 scholarship awarded to students who demonstrate academic fortitude and a desire to pursue higher education, with priority given to those with lived experience of homelessness, foster care, or the criminal legal system.
• Youth Action Board (YAB) / Trailblazers Youth Action Board An interagency group of young leaders with lived experiences working to inform the public about issues, eliminate barriers to housing, employment, education, and mental health, and advocate for increased resources to transition youth. Includes the Trailblazers Youth Action Board with elected leadership positions.
• Detroit Youth Rising Podcast A podcast created by Detroit youths transitioning out of homelessness and poverty, examining critical issues facing Detroit youths including homelessness, food insecurity, mental health, education, communication, and transportation.
• Beyond The Ashes Consulting Youth-powered consulting services delivered by Youth Action Board members with lived experience, offering virtual and in-person speaking engagements and YAB Program Model Design consulting to help organizations create or enhance youth action boards.
• Beyond Store (Merchandise E-commerce) An e-commerce store selling branded merchandise including apparel (t-shirts, hats), home goods (candles, notebooks, water bottles), bags, and accessories (slides, buttons, stickers), with proceeds supporting Detroit Phoenix Center fundraising efforts.
• YouthUp Mobile Unit A mobile unit providing services and resources directly to youth in need throughout the Detroit area, featured in Fox 2 Detroit coverage.
• Transitional Housing-Rapid Rehousing (TH-RRH) A Transitional Housing-Rapid Rehousing service providing young people access to a 24-hour crisis bed with a pathway of up to three years of housing assistance and wraparound supports.
• Year Round Training and Coaching Year-round training and coaching available to youth and young adults to help develop lifelong skills for success in college and career.
• Donation Program Accepts donations via PayPal, Cash App ($DetroitPhoenixCenter), and mail-in checks. Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization (EIN: 82-1262148), with all donations tax-deductible where allowed by law.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,700 youth and children served through outreach and basic need support in FY 2023-2024
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and minor.

• Michigan Podcast ProductionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPodcast production partner responsible for producing the Detroit Youth Rising podcast series. This partnership enables DPC to create professional audio content addressing issues affecting Detroit youth experiencing homelessness.
• BetterHelpcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMental health services partnership providing one-on-one therapy support to young people. BetterHelp provides discounted access to counseling services for DPC youth members.
• University of Michigan Poverty SolutionsstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic research partnership with Jennifer Erb-Downward from U-M Poverty Solutions who appeared on Detroit Youth Rising podcast to discuss education issues. Partnership contributes to program design and evidence-based approaches.
• Project RiseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit dedicated to improving financial literacy. Sierra Devoe, Founder and Executive Director, joined podcast episode on communication to discuss financial empowerment for homeless youth.
• Relish (Detroit Catering Company)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDetroit catering company co-founded by Le'Genevieve 'Vie' Squires. Featured on podcast to address food insecurity issues affecting homeless youth.
• Caleb's KidsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit focused on mental health of Detroit youth. Founder Keisha Jackson appeared on podcast episode addressing mental health challenges faced by homeless youth.
• Transportation Riders UnitedminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTransit advocacy organization. Board member David Gifford joined podcast to discuss transportation barriers affecting homeless youth in Detroit.
• HAND (Housing Alliance of Detroit)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership through Continuum of Care (CoC) Program to make systemic changes within Detroit, incorporating youth voices and lived experiences to enact better policies. YAB members participate in CoC elections and planning meetings.
• School House ConnectionstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational nonprofit focused on youth homelessness. YAB met with Rodd Monts, Director of State Policy, to create advocacy plan for HB 4087 (medical consent for homeless youth).
• CAM DetroitcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHousing assistance partner. DPC refers youth for Transitional Housing-Rapid Rehousing (TH-RRH) services through CAM Detroit's network to ensure 24-hour crisis bed access with up to three years of housing assistance.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Alternatives For Girls: Detroit-based nonprofit serving homeless and at-risk young women and girls with shelter, education, and prevention programming. Direct Detroit peer with overlapping wraparound service approach for a specific youth demographic.
• Starfish Family Services: Large Detroit-area human services agency providing wraparound programs for at-risk children, youth, and families. Overlaps with DPC on youth mental health, education, and crisis intervention in the same geographic market.
• Ruth Ellis Center: Detroit-area nonprofit providing housing, mental health, and wraparound services specifically for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. Direct regional peer serving overlapping Detroit beneficiary populations with similar service architecture.

Direct peers

• CAM Detroit (Coalition on Temporary Shelter): Detroit-based housing and homelessness services organization listed as a DPC channel partner for Transitional Housing-Rapid Rehousing referrals. Direct peer in the Detroit homeless services ecosystem with overlapping beneficiary populations.
• Huckleberry House (Huckleberry Youth Programs): San Francisco Bay Area nonprofit providing emergency shelter, counseling, and wraparound services for at-risk youth. Closely comparable service portfolio (drop-in, housing, mental health, education) and youth-segment focus.
• SchoolHouse Connection: National nonprofit focused on preventing and ending homelessness among children, youth, and families through education and housing advocacy. Listed as a DPC strategic partner, indicating close operational alignment on McKinney-Vento and youth homelessness policy.
• National Network for Youth: National membership organization advocating for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness and human trafficking. Aligns with DPC's policy advocacy, lived-experience leadership emphasis, and federal funding engagement.
• Larkin Street Youth Services: San Francisco-based nonprofit providing comprehensive services for youth ages 12-24 experiencing homelessness, including drop-in centers, housing, education, employment, and mental health — closely mirroring DPC's wraparound model and age-segment focus.
• A Way Home America: National initiative working to end youth homelessness through community collaboration, policy advocacy, and resource development. Overlaps with DPC's systemic-change advocacy approach and youth-action-board governance model.

Broad incumbents

• Covenant House: Largest U.S. nonprofit serving youth experiencing homelessness and trafficking. Operates residential shelters and outreach programs across 30+ cities. DPC explicitly references Covenant House's 1.5M+ youth served figure in its own materials, signaling direct mission alignment and overlap in service model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/detroitphoenixcenter
• Facebookfacebook.com/detroitphoenixcenter
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/detroit-phoenix-center
• Instagraminstagram.com/detroitphoenixcenter/?hl=en
• TikToktiktok.com/@detroitphoenixcenter

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Detroit Phoenix Center