Getting Started

Many of us were excited to begin Challenge #3 at Coalition for Temporary Shelter (COTS), as it would allow us the chance to work with an organization that directly impacts the lives of Detroiters in need, and would thereby enable us to make a meaningful contribution to others. What we did not anticipate was how much of an impression the experience would have on each of us. Our first Friday at COTS was spent doing a Poverty Simulation where each fellow was given an index card detailing the life circumstances of the person that they were to portray for the rest of the morning. Each role assigned was based upon an actual COTS resident (whom are referred to as consumers) and the circumstances that led to him/her needing housing assistance from the non-profit. Throughout several 15 minute cycles, we went through a host of different obstacles and life events that drained us of money, resources, patience and hope, and it was then that we got a glimpse into how people end up homeless, and began to empathize with how COTS consumers must feel.

Digging In

As the weeks went on, we had the opportunity to meet with COTS’ many different stakeholders, to include consumers, staff, volunteers, donors and partners. We heard stories of how people found themselves there, the sense of purpose others felt from working and volunteering at COTS, why individuals decided to give to the organization, and why partners found value in collaborating with the non-profit.

We also started to develop a better understanding of what it means to be homeless, and learned that the organization is so much more than a temporary shelter, but is instead an all-around resource for Detroiters in need. In addition to working on our main objective of delivering new marketing campaigns targeted at each of the organization’s stakeholders, we also had the opportunity to engage in hands-on service by helping out in the nursery, sorting and hanging clothes in the clothing room, assisting with COTS mailers, and helping to come up with design ideas for the shelter’s “chill room”, a spot for consumers to relax and unwind.

Wrapping Up

What we ultimately took away from Challenge #3 were several themes that I’m sure will stay with us long after we’ve moved onto our next project, and probably even after we’ve concluded this fellowship. One being that homelessness is not a label, but instead a situation that most Americans are closer to than they’d like to admit. According to the Huffington Post, almost half of American households are just one emergency away from financial disaster, many of whom are in the middle-class but are living check to check without any savings. After speaking with COTS’ consumers and staff, we found out first-hand how true that statistic really is, by hearing stories of people living what most would consider “normal” lives then running into hard times that resulted in them losing their homes. One of the more positive insights that we gained through this challenge was the impact that our generation can make to change the homeless problem in Detroit, not only through financial contributions, but through giving of our time, talents and making service a priority for ourselves and our peers. Lastly, we learned that it will take not only Gen Y, but also Gen X, the Baby Boomers, and everyone else in our community to come together and alleviate this problem for good. While we realize that it is a monumental task, we are encouraged by all of the good work that we’ve seen and the driven people that we’ve met at COTS, and are inspired to do all that we can to make a difference going forward. We’re thankful for the lessons learned, and for all of COTS’ stakeholders for opening our eyes to the realities of homelessness in Detroit and beyond.