New mobile unit aims to address needs of Detroit's homeless youth

There are many faces of housing insecurity and homelessness — sleeping in cars or cramped spaces, the constant fear of eviction, or exhausting, frequent moves. 

It’s an issue hitting young people especially hard. 

Nationwide, kids under the age of 18 experienced the largest increase in homelessness from 2023 to 2024. 

In Michigan, more than 35,000 students experienced homelessness last school year. But research suggests those numbers are much higher. In other words, the problem can be dangerously invisible. 

Detroit Phoenix Center has been working to address this quiet crisis. They provide housing for young people, and services, and support to help break the cycle of poverty.

Now, the center is taking some of these services on the road with a mobile unit. The brightly painted RV offers a place for kids to hang out, shower, snack, and even play video games. 

Courtney Smith, the founder and executive director of the Detroit Phoenix Center, joined The Metro to discuss how this can make a dent in youth homelessness.

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"The Metro" covers local and regional news and current affairs, arts and cultural events and topics, with a commitment to airing perspectives and uncovering stories underreported by mainstream media in Detroit.