Imagine it was you, navigating Detroit’s harsh winter streets, teeth chattering, clutching at hope as the biting wind tore through your thin jacket. Picture yourself seeking refuge in a bus shelter or hospital waiting room, just to escape the brutal cold for a few moments. You’re exhausted, worn down by the constant search for somewhere—anywhere—that feels safe, if only for a night. The thought of a hot meal or a shower feels like a luxury far beyond your reach, let alone clean socks or the warmth of a winter coat.
This is the reality for too many of our neighbors, and it’s a truth that demands our attention. Every cold night, there are men, women, and children wandering the streets, desperately searching for warmth and safety. We cannot ignore their struggle any longer. Homelessness is not just a housing issue—it’s a reflection of a broken system that leaves too many behind. So, I ask you: What kind of community do we want to be? Are we content with simply witnessing the pain, or are we willing to act, to create a world where no one has to face the freezing streets alone? The time to answer is now, and it’s on us to make that change a reality.
Taking action is Cass Community Social Services, they have secured a $3.5 million contract with the city of Detroit last week, marking a significant step forward in addressing the city’s homelessness crisis. The funding will establish a new 24-hour drop-in center, providing a safe haven for some of Detroit’s most vulnerable residents.
The drop-in site, set to open its doors on December 16, will serve as a critical resource for those waiting to access emergency shelters. Designed to accommodate at least 75 individuals each night, it will provide immediate shelter for people who have been sleeping outdoors, seeking refuge in emergency rooms, or occupying bus shelters to escape the cold. The center will also assist individuals fleeing domestic violence and those discharged from hospitals with no place to go.
Referrals to the drop-in center will come directly from Detroit hospitals, police departments, and street outreach teams, ensuring that those most in need are prioritized. The Rev. Faith Fowler, executive director of Cass Community Social Services, emphasized the urgency of the initiative. “Last winter, we had several months where there wasn’t a single bed available. The city and (Continuum of Care) struggled to make sure people were taken care of,” Fowler explained.
The drop-in center is a response to gaps identified in Detroit’s homelessness response system. The city’s five-year Strategic System Improvement Plan, released in August, highlighted the need for more emergency shelter beds and permanent housing solutions. Among its findings, the report called for an additional 275 emergency shelter beds and 870 permanent housing units to help those transitioning out of shelters.
The city’s Housing & Revitalization Department has made it clear that the drop-in center is part of a larger, coordinated effort to reduce the number of people sleeping outside. The initiative aligns with the Continuum of Care program, which focuses on community-wide planning and resource allocation to combat homelessness. “Cass will provide 24/7 intake and case management services to help residents quickly resolve their homelessness,” Fowler noted. The center will also connect residents to CAM, the local coordinated entry system, emergency shelters, and other housing resources.
Cass Community Social Services is investing $400,000 to prepare the drop-in center, located in a Midtown building the organization already owns. Previously, the site housed a family shelter that has since relocated to the newly renovated Fox Family Center. Fresh linens and blankets are being added to the beds, and renovations include creating a day center nearby where people can take showers, watch TV, and speak with counselors. Additional updates feature new showers, washers and dryers, office spaces, and enhanced security measures, including a metal detector at the door.
The city’s decision to partner with Cass was finalized this week when the Detroit City Council approved the drop-in center contract, which will run through June 30, 2026. Recognizing the scope of the challenge, Fowler pointed out that every shelter and warming center in the city is already operating at capacity. “The city has been aware of the shortage of shelter beds, and the whole continuum has been talking about what we can do,” she said.
Beyond the Cass initiative, the City Council also approved a $200,000 contract with Community & Home Supports Inc. The organization will assist in coordinating intake and housing placements for individuals at the new drop-in center. According to Tasha Gray, executive director of the Homeless Action Network of Detroit, these partnerships are critical to addressing the pressing needs of the community.
Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM) also submitted a proposal to operate a drop-in center but instead received a $640,000 contract to provide shelter services for men over the next two years. While this contract includes provisions for a drop-in center, it does not fully meet the city’s original expectations. Nonetheless, DRMM is advancing its efforts to tackle the crisis by implementing a $2 million annual plan to assist those who fall outside the federally required homeless shelter referral system.
Starting this week, DRMM will launch a 24/7 phone line dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. With the addition of 100 beds for men and women, DRMM aims to provide immediate assistance to those in need. The organization is committed to bringing individuals in off the streets the same night they seek help, conducting assessments, and addressing their needs within a week.
The Rev. Fowler underscored the importance of providing not just shelter but dignity to those in crisis. “They can’t just wait on the street. They need to have a safe place to come, a warm meal, and a roof over their head,” she said.
As Detroit faces another winter, the urgency of these initiatives cannot be overstated. The collaboration between Cass, DRMM, and the city of Detroit represents a multi-faceted approach to addressing the growing demand for shelter and support services. However, the need for long-term solutions, such as permanent housing and streamlined referral processes, remains critical.
By stepping up to fill these gaps, organizations like Cass Community Social Services and Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries are laying the groundwork for a more comprehensive response to homelessness in Detroit. For the individuals and families who find themselves without shelter this winter, the new drop-in center offers more than just a bed—it provides hope, safety, and the first step toward stability.
This moment also serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to care for the most vulnerable among us. Detroit’s commitment to tackling homelessness must continue to evolve, ensuring no one is left without a place to call home.
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