Covid-19 has affected all of us in profound, life-changing ways, yet the most vulnerable in our community have had the most difficult hardships through this pandemic. During these unprecedented times, families and youth especially, are facing extraordinary crises. Many of our youth have nowhere else to turn during this time, especially with schools being closed (a fundamental resource for homeless youth).
The statistics on youth homelessness in Detroit are heart-breaking:
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1 in 5 youth experiencing homelessness in Detroit are victims of human trafficking
- Each year, an estimated 4.2 million youth and young adults experience homelessness
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On any given night, approximately 41,000 unaccompanied youth experience homelessness
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Black and brown youth are 83% more likely to experience homelessness compared to their white peers
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Youth experiencing homelessness are at a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure, mental health challenges, educational disparities, and entering the juvenile justice system
Not Sorry Goods is proud to donate $500 as a youth sponsor to Detroit Phoenix Center, a nonprofit organization that responds to the needs of underserved and street-connected youth in Detroit. They support young people, ages 13-24, through direct services including a daily drop-in center for young adults (showers, washer/dryer, food pantry, computer lab, day beds, hygiene products, life skills classes etc.), after school enrichment programs for teens, a
youth action board, emergency crisis housing and a scholarship fund. They also works diligently for systemic change and contribute to the growing movement to end youth homelessness.
As the devastating impact of COVID-19 continues to be realized, youth experiencing homelessness are incredibly vulnerable. DPC services are needed now more than ever before. Not Sorry Goods is proud to support Detroit Phoenix Center to ensure that vulnerable and homeless youth have access to critical resources, support, and a safe, nurturing environment.
This organization has made a huge impact this year, including highlights such as:
- Distributed over 5,000 care packages of essential goods and services to youth and families who would have otherwise gone without
- In the past 12 months, they have assisted 20 young adults to maintain permanent supportive housing
- In the past 6 months, they have provided over 50 emergency shelter hotel vouchers to youth who did not have a warm place to sleep at night
- They have provided 350+ hours of virtual programming (cooking classes, mental health support, homework helpline, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and more)to youth in the community
If you believe in this cause and would like to support, you can donate directly to Detroit Phoenix Center here.
