COTS

What COTS does

COTS (Coalition on Temporary Shelter) is a Detroit-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1982 that serves families experiencing homelessness in the Detroit metropolitan area. The organization delivers a continuum of services including emergency shelter (Peggy's Place), affordable housing assistance, the Fatherhood Initiative, and targeted programs such as Warrior Women Against Poverty (WWAP), Spirit of Sisterhood, and EMDR trauma therapy. Its core operating framework is the trademarked Passport to Self-Sufficiency (PTS) program, a poverty-reduction coaching model in which a dedicated Mobility Coach works with each family to set and track goals across five domains: Housing & Family Stability, Health & Well-being, Economic Mobility & Empowerment, Education & Job Training, and Employment & Career Development. PTS is underpinned by Mobility Mentoring, a research-backed economic mobility coaching methodology developed by Economic Mobility Pathways (EMPath); COTS is the first organization certified to deliver it.

The organization's service-delivery model relies on a coordinated network of over 60 partner organizations across healthcare, financial services, employment, education, and legal aid, supplemented by access through the Coordinated Access Model (CAM) triage network. In the most recent reported year, COTS served 1,210 individuals across 462 families, with approximately 60% of those served being children.

COTS is funded through a mix of federal grants (37%), foundation gifts (32%), individual contributions (14%), income and other sources (12%), and state grants (5%), and reports that 83 cents of every dollar is directed to programs and services. Revenue is generated primarily through institutional grants and donations rather than fees for service. The organization pursues a community-led go-to-market approach, reaching participants through CAM referrals and partner channels, while engaging donors, volunteers, and corporate partners via events (Art for Home auction, Spirit of Sisterhood brunch, Soup City), digital fundraising platforms (Funraise, including cryptocurrency donations), corporate matching gift programs, and storytelling channels (The Art of Family podcast and publication). Leadership is provided by CEO Cheryl P. Johnson with a stable executive team covering development, impact, finance, and operations.

Name

COTS

Legal name

Coalition on Temporary Shelter

Website

https://cotsdetroit.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

COTS (Coalition on Temporary Shelter) is a Detroit-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1982 that helps families experiencing homelessness achieve self-sufficiency through emergency shelter, affordable housing, and Mobility Mentoring-based coaching across five life domains.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Homeless Services and Family Support

NAICS

Temporary Shelters (624221), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Community Housing Services (62422), Other Community Housing Services (624229)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Homelessness Prevention, Shelter & Supportive Housing Services (BPAIANAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)

Keywords

• Homeless services
• Emergency shelter
• Poverty reduction
• Family support services
• Housing assistance

Headquarters

HQ city

Detroit

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Federal Grants: Federal grants represent 37% of COTS funding sources, providing substantial government support for homeless services and poverty alleviation programs.
2. Foundation Gifts: Foundation gifts represent 32% of funding sources, including support from organizations like the Skillman Foundation and other regional foundations.
3. Individual Contributions: Individual donations represent 14% of funding sources, coming from individual donors, monthly giving programs (Family Circle), and cryptocurrency donations.
4. State Grants: State grants represent 5% of funding sources, providing government support at the state level.
5. Income & Other: Income and other revenue streams represent 12% of funding sources, including program fees and other operational income.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

COTS provides emergency shelter, housing assistance, and structured poverty-reduction coaching for families experiencing homelessness in Detroit. Its central offering is the Passport to Self-Sufficiency (PTS) coaching framework, which pairs families with dedicated Mobility Coaches to set and track goals across five life domains. The organization also operates Peggy's Place emergency shelter, affordable housing programs, and targeted initiatives for women and fathers.

Product overview

COTS (Coalition on Temporary Shelter) is a nonprofit social services organization in Detroit providing a continuum of housing and support services for families experiencing homelessness. Its core offering is the Passport to Self-Sufficiency™ (PTS) coaching framework, which pairs families with dedicated Mobility Coaches to set goals across five domains and tracks progress toward self-sufficiency. The PTS framework is underpinned by Mobility Mentoring®, a research-backed methodology COTS is certified to deliver. COTS delivers its mission through several integrated programs: emergency shelter at Peggy's Place, affordable housing assistance, the Warrior Women Against Poverty mentorship program, the Fatherhood Initiative, and the Spirit of Sisterhood Initiative. The Art of Family serves as a storytelling and podcasting initiative that profiles participant journeys, amplifying awareness and donor engagement. All programs operate within the PTS framework, creating a unified pathway from emergency shelter through long-term stability.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Warrior Women Against Poverty (WWAP): A COTS Passport to Self-Sufficiency Partner that helps transform the lives of women and their children through mentorship, advocacy, and friendship by engaging women through mentorship, connecting them to resources, and broadening their experiences through education workshops, seminars and outings.
• Spirit of Sisterhood Initiative

Products and services

• Passport to Self-Sufficiency (PTS)
• Emergency Shelter (Peggy's Place)
• Affordable Housing Programs
• Warrior Women Against Poverty (WWAP)
• Fatherhood Initiative
• EMDR Therapy
• Children's Coaching Program

Quantifiable outcome

• Last year COTS served 1,210 people in 462 families
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Economic Mobility Pathways (EMPath)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCOTS is the first organization certified in Mobility Mentoring, a research-backed economic mobility coaching approach developed by EMPath. This partnership provides the foundational methodology for COTS's Passport to Self-Sufficiency program.
• Ally BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFinancial services partner providing banking resources and support to COTS families on their path to financial stability.
• Bank of AmericaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFinancial services partner supporting economic mobility programs and financial literacy for COTS families.
• Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerArts and cultural partner providing enrichment programs including hip-hop classes and drumming sessions for children of COTS families.
• Ascension Medical GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare partner providing medical services and health resources to COTS families.
• Detroit at WorkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEmployment services partner connecting COTS families with job training and career development resources.
• Wayne State Health Mobile UnitminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare partner providing mobile health services to COTS families.
• Lakeshore Legal AidminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLegal services partner providing civil legal assistance to COTS families.
• Empowerment PlanminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEmployment and housing organization providing jobs, housing assistance, transportation support, and educational opportunities to individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Humble DesignminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDesign organization that furnishes homes for families transitioning out of shelters, providing essential furniture and household items.
• FreeWillminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOnline estate planning platform partnered with COTS to provide free will-writing tools for donors. Featured in Forbes and Oprah's 31 Best Ways to Make a Difference.
• Detroit PistonsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional sports team partner providing special experiences for COTS children including game attendance and player interactions.
• Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness (MCAH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide advocacy partner working to prevent and end homelessness in Michigan through policy advocacy and community coordination.
• CinnaireminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity development financial institution providing lending and development expertise for housing initiatives.
• Detroit Recovery ProjectminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRecovery and behavioral health services partner supporting families dealing with addiction and substance abuse challenges.
• Picking Up the PiecesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerArt for Home auction partner, with a portion of proceeds benefiting both COTS and Picking Up the Pieces, two Detroit nonprofits assisting families overcoming homelessness.
• The Loft Fine ArtminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFine art curator for Art for Home auction event supporting COTS families.
• Spirit of SisterhoodminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual brunch initiative honoring women who have made a difference in others' lives while increasing access to financial support for women working to better themselves and their children.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Coalition for the Homeless: NYC-based advocacy and direct services organization operating shelters and homelessness prevention programs. Directly comparable as a longstanding (40+ years) urban nonprofit focused on family and individual homelessness with a multi-program service model.
• Family Promise: National nonprofit focused specifically on family homelessness, providing shelter, prevention, and stabilization services across the U.S. Closely comparable mission and target population to COTS, with a similar multi-domain coaching and case-management model.
• Cass Community Social Services: Detroit-based nonprofit providing shelter, food, housing, and social services to people experiencing homelessness and poverty. It is explicitly referenced as a coordinated access point for COTS, indicating directly comparable service offerings and target population in the same geography.
• Mercy Housing: National affordable housing nonprofit serving low-income individuals and families, including those exiting homelessness, with supportive services integrated into housing programs. Comparable in combining affordable housing with coaching and stabilization services similar to COTS's PTS framework.
• Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan: Regional Catholic Charities affiliate providing shelter, housing assistance, immigration services, and case management across Southeast Michigan. Directly comparable as a faith-based, multi-program social services nonprofit operating in the same Detroit geography with overlapping client populations.
• NOAH Project: Detroit nonprofit operating as a Coordinated Access Model intake site for families experiencing homelessness, listing it alongside COTS in the CAM network. Direct peer serving the same population through emergency services and housing stabilization in Detroit.
• Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries: Detroit-based nonprofit providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, food, and recovery services for homeless and displaced individuals. Competes for the same donor pool and serves an overlapping population within the Detroit metropolitan area.

Others

• EMPath (Economic Mobility Pathways): Research and training organization that developed the Mobility Mentoring methodology COTS has licensed and certified in. Not a service competitor but a strategic methodology partner whose continued investment in the Mobility Mentoring framework directly shapes COTS's differentiated coaching model.

Broad incumbents

• The Salvation Army: Large, established international nonprofit operating emergency shelters, transitional housing, and social services across the U.S. Overlaps with COTS on emergency shelter and homelessness services but as part of a much broader social services portfolio rather than a homelessness-focused specialist.
• National Alliance to End Homelessness: National nonprofit focused on policy advocacy, research, and capacity-building to prevent and end homelessness. Adjacent to COTS's mission rather than a direct service competitor, but operates in the same sector and influences the federal funding environment COTS depends on.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cotsdetroit
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/cotsdetroit
• Facebookfacebook.com/cotsdetroit
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cotsdetroit
• Instagraminstagram.com/cotsdetroit

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about COTS