OFF THE STREETS (OTS), established in 1986, is Detroit’s only voluntary fully licensed, community based, 24-hour, 7-days-a-week, short-term emergency shelter program. The services are available to both adolescent males and females between the ages of 12 and 17 who are runaway, potential runaway, homeless and “throwaway” youth.

All services are provided by trained professional staff at no cost to the youth or their families.

While providing youth with a safe temporary alternative to life “on the streets,” we seek to reunite youth with their families whenever possible. Emphasis is placed on parental participation and family counseling to divert and prevent youth from entering the juvenile justice system.

As a youth serving agency, we advocate for the humanistic delivery of quality services to youth & their families within the community.

The problem with runaway and homeless youth in the City of Detroit and Wayne County continue to be one with frightening and unimaginable consequences.

• Young people on the street and homeless, become victimized and vulnerable to danger with consequences that could be detrimental to a young life.

• Increasing numbers of youth are “throwaways” without permanent housing.

• Many young people are forced from their homes due to family conflict, substance abuse and/or socioeconomic hardship.
  

Funding Sources
Michigan Family Independence Agency
City of Detroit Department of Human Services
U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development
U.S. Department of Health & Human Service
Michigan Department of Human Services

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