A Week in Detroit, MI

With a capacity of 2 million people, Detroit’s population has shrunk to less than 700,000 because of a substantial loss of jobs in the auto industry. Despite this urban decline, the auto industry is still a very important part of the Motown (short for Motor Town) economy. A very segmented and ethnically diverse city, students see the story of Detroit come alive by serving alongside community members cleaning up old warehouses, playing with neighborhood kids, and visiting historical sites around the city. Here’s a glimpse into a week on-site:

 

Sunday

 

WELCOME TO DETROIT! This week, we are showing you around this awesome city and all of the community members and service partners we’ve met along the way. Although this city has faced a lot of hardships, Detroit is not a city to be feared, but a city to fight for. Stay tuned for stories from organizations, youth, and friends of YW here in Detroit this week! We can’t wait to show you around. #yw2016

A photo posted by YouthWorks Missions (@ywmissions) on Jul 10, 2016 at 7:26pm PDT

 

Monday

 

“Detroit doesn’t stop.” – John, founder of Motor City Blight Busters Blight Busters restores buildings around Detroit that are opening coffeeshops, artist villages and apartments. They also employee local community members, build and repair homes, and host art camps for local kids. Three dads started Blight Busters when they decided to board up a nearby crack house to keep kids in the neighborhood safe. We are so excited to be able to serve alongside organizations like this in Motor City! #yw2016

A photo posted by YouthWorks Missions (@ywmissions) on Jul 11, 2016 at 7:52am PDT

“If you have come to save me, you are wasting my time. If you have come because your liberation is bound with mine, let us work together.” – Tanisha, Central Detroit Christian Tonight in Detroit, we spent time at Central Detroit Christian and participated in their poverty simulation lead by Tanisha (pictured here). Groups were challenged by what it is like for a family in Detroit to get the basic necessities. We are grateful to partner with organizations like Central Detroit Christian that not only serve their community, but also work to educate people on issues central to their mission. #yw2016

A photo posted by YouthWorks Missions (@ywmissions) on Jul 11, 2016 at 7:51pm PDT

 

Tuesday

 

Today in Detroit we are hanging out with Emerick (pictured on the right) and his friends at Summer in the City program. Summer in the City is fun, flexible and fulfilling for volunteers and practical, productive and purposeful for community organizations. They run children’s programs all across Detroit making volunteering accessible and easy in Detroit with the hopes of creating a culture of volunteering. #YW2016

A photo posted by YouthWorks Missions (@ywmissions) on Jul 12, 2016 at 9:10am PDT

Detroit has a rich history over the last 300 years. Also know as Motor City, Detroit has played a significant role in the auto industry. Henry Ford’s goal was to make a low cost, reliable car that everyone could afford. Check out adult leader, Erin, with a few of her youth at the Detroit Historical Museum in a Model T. #YW2016 #DetroitHistoricalMuseum

A photo posted by YouthWorks Missions (@ywmissions) on Jul 12, 2016 at 7:11pm PDT

 

Wednesday

 

“I had to do something. I had to do something to help. For my grandchildren and for other people’s children.” This is Katherine. She moved into the neighborhood about 3 years ago and had the feeling she had to help. There are plenty of abandoned houses in her neighborhood that people move into to live and do drugs in. So for the past 3 years she has been working with Neighbors Building Brightmoore to clean up the houses and board them up to keep the neighborhood safe. We are thankful for the opportunity to work with people like Katherine to serve this city. #YW2016

A photo posted by YouthWorks Missions (@ywmissions) on Jul 13, 2016 at 10:40am PDT

Thursday

 

Today some of the students went to Detroit’s artist village to learn the “ins and outs” of construction in Detroit’s community. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to work alongside people from Detroit, like Shane (pictured here), who care so much about this city and making the place they love beautiful and safe. #YW2016

A photo posted by YouthWorks Missions (@ywmissions) on Jul 14, 2016 at 9:56am PDT

 

“I like playing soccer and hockey in the park. It’s fun to come with my mom and brothers.” This is Brianna. She is 7 years old and comes to our community cookout in Mexicotown of Detroit with her family for a meal. We are incredibly grateful to be able to partner with the community of Detroit and love being able to celebrate every week with community members at the cookout! #YW2016

A photo posted by YouthWorks Missions (@ywmissions) on Jul 14, 2016 at 6:33pm PDT

Friday

 

What a week in Detroit! Thankful for the people and organizations that showed us love this week and that love this community all year round. Thank YOU for letting us show you around Detroit, introducing you to the amazing people and rich history this place is overflowing with. (FUN FACT: Martin Luther King preached several sermons from the pulpit behind us!) #YW2016

A photo posted by YouthWorks Missions (@ywmissions) on Jul 15, 2016 at 7:29am PDT

Learn more about serving in Detroit HERE!