Detroit Phoenix Center hosts National Day of Service Event

In partnership with the Presidential Inaugural Committee, the Detroit Phoenix Center (DPC), a high impact nonprofit organization that provides critical resources, support and a safe, nurturing environment for youth transitioning out of homelessness and poverty in Detroit, is hosting a National Day of Service event to assist Detroit youth. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18 – MLK Jr. Day – DPC staff and volunteers will come together in person and remotely to assemble “resilience kits” to be distributed to the youth and families served by DPC. The goal is to assemble a quantity of 500 of the kits.

“In advance of our Day of Service event, we thank all of our volunteers for their commitment to serving our community and for dedicating their time and service to celebrate the profound legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Courtney Smith, founder and CEO of Detroit Phoenix Center. “We have seen an unprecedented increase in the request for our services during this time of crisis due to the pandemic. We can come together, even if only virtually for now, to provide our young people with critical needs items and a message that we care.”

The resilience kits include the following items: information about DPC; resources on mental health support and study tips; hand warmers; hat, scarves or gloves; feminine products; hygiene essentials, such as lotion, deodorant, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste and Chapstick; nonperishable food item(s); school supplies; and PPE gear, such as face masks, hygiene kits and hand sanitizer.

Volunteers are needed to collect and assemble kits containing critical needs items, such as those listed above, from the comfort and safety of their own homes, and then drop off their donations to DPC at 8801 Woodward Ave. in Detroit anytime between noon and 4 p.m. Monday.

DPC’s event can be found listed on Mobilize America, a web-based tool that includes all National Day of Service events associated with the Biden Inaugural team: www.mobilize.us/nationaldayofservice/event/368983/.

For those interested in participating and making a donation of items following Monday’s event can contact DPC at 313-482-0916 or info@detroitphoenixcenter.org.

Detroit Phoenix Center supports 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 program for teens, youth action board, emergency crisis support and a scholarship fund. The organization also works diligently for systemic change and contributes to the growing movement to end youth homelessness. For more information, visit www.detroitphoenixcenter.org.