Programs

Young Detroit Builders offers several programs that help to help our youth and combat the poverty, homelessness and illiteracy that disproportionately affects our city. These programs are:

YouthBuild Detroit

YouthBuild Detroit is a full-time, 10-month educational and training program.  Applicants must successfully complete a three week orientation, known as “Mental Toughness,” before they can be officially enrolled in the program.  A small stipend is paid to students who are accepted into the program. The Five Key Parts of the YouthBuild Program are:

• Educational Advancement – Classes in mathematics, reading, writing, social studies and science are offered in preparation for the GED examination and post-secondary education
• Construction Education and Training – On-the-job training in residential construction and vocational education classes leading to certification by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and the National Homebuilders Institute
• Leadership and Community Service – Students must complete a minimum of 32 hours of community service that includes public speaking, and program governance.
• Counseling and Support Services – Guidance and support through life skills development, support groups, a living allowance, and referral for other physical and mental health needs
• Career Development & Follow-up Program Assistance – Job readiness training, assistance in career exploration and job placement for qualified graduates is offered as well as preparation for college and other post-secondary educational

AmeriCorps

About half of the enrollees in the YouthBuild Detroit program have an opportunity to serve as AmeriCorps members simultaneously.  The hours that members contribute to building housing is counted as community service, which upon completion entitles them to an educational award of $1,500 which can be used to attend college, university, or other accredited post-secondary education. In addition, we hire full-time AmeriCorps staff members, who have already obtained a college degree. After they complete 1,700 hours or a year of service, they also receive an educational award of $5,350.

Visit http://www.americorps.gov for more information.

Young Detroit Builders is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Partnership for Permanent Supportive Housing (SHP)

The Partnership for Permanent Supportive Housing is a comprehensive program of services and support for homeless families and individuals.  Services are provided through the collaboration of three organizations:

• The United Community Housing Coalition helps clients find housing that is affordable, decent, and safe.  UCHC also assists with security deposits and furniture.

• Michigan Legal Services provides legal assistance in civil matters, such as child support and custody, domestic abuse, driver’s licenses, probate, and estates.

• Young Detroit Builders offers counseling and case management for emotional and family problems, educational assessments, tutoring for basic literacy and the GED, job readiness skills, and job placement assistance.

Clients may apply for all of these services at the offices of the United Community Housing Coalition located on the second floor of the Michigan Building, 220 Bagley, downtown Detroit.  Applications for the program are taken on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings by appointment only.  Call 313-963-3298 or 313-963-3310 for more information or to make an appointment.