Why Detroit? Why Now?
For far too long, our beloved Detroit has suffered from an epidemic of violence. This violence has no preference on gender, orientation, race or class, causing unimaginable trauma.
Each year, thousands of people and families are left with nowhere to escape as they become displaced from their homes and city to simply survive.
It’s time to take the power back from the violence epidemic, and create a safer and stronger future for Detroit.
First Step has served as Wayne County’s only comprehensive provider for survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (DVSA) for over 45 years. At First Step, all who need help are welcome, at no cost to the survivor. And now, we must expand this unwavering support to Detroit, where the need has never been greater.
Our survivors need you to help them take their first steps out of violence, and remain in their home city. It’s my hope that you will join the First Step campaign committee, board of directors, staff, and volunteers as we offer a solution and ongoing strategy to sheltering the Detroit DVSA survivors. Thank you for taking time to learn more about how you can help to shelter Detroit’s future with First Step.
~Lori Kitchen-Buschel, Executive Director
Detroit has the lowest services available to those in need. 7,000 people annually fleeing to find help - in Wayne County alone, let alone the entire Southeast Michigan region.
BY THE NUMBERS
“The time is now to support and empower survivors of domestic violence and First Step is leading the way in Detroit. Women’s justice is a mission that is profoundly important to me, and I am honored to serve as a volunteer leader of this capital campaign that will save countless lives and connect Detroit families with the local, comprehensive services they need to thrive.”
the Samaritan Center:
A $5m Regional solution
Samaritan Center is a unique blend of organizations who have a history of service to the disadvantaged and are committed to the continuing redevelopment of Detroit’s east side. This joint venture involves Holy Cross Services, a Michigan-based 501(c)(3) public health agency, and SER Metro-Detroit, a community-based organization providing numerous education, training and employment programs, and economic development for Detroit residents and their families. You can learn more at https://samaritancenterdetroit.org/
First Step will be leasing space from the Samaritan Center to establish the shelter. Many of the outside services that First Step's clients utilize are also located within the center providing a unique opportunity to partner and provide extended services to survivors.
This project will:
- Increase life-saving services to 400-500 adults and children annually.
- Immediately shelter and support up to 84 individuals.
- Increase First Step service options by 200%.
- Bring $1-2 million in staffing, services, and non-profit investment support to a core area of need on Detroit’s East Side.
take a virtual tour of first step's space
INTACT FAMILIES HEAL TOGETHER
First Step believes families healing from DVSA remain strongest when the survivors can safely stay together. Our agency has taken steps to safely serve all members of DVSA survivor families - including men and boys.
Annually we support twice the number of children than adults.
We offer specialized DVSA support to the LGBTQIA+ community.
“First Step transforms lives and walks with people through their darkest moments toward shining futures. Extending the comprehensive services First Step provides for all human beings and their creatures means more Michiganders can feel the peace they deserve. Detroit deserves the gifts First Step brings, and we can’t wait to invite people across our region to create safe communities.”
COMPREHENSIVE, FREE, & CONFIDENTIAL
First Step is Wayne County's and Detroit’s only comprehensive, free, and confidential domestic and sexual violence (DVSA) service provider.
Because Crisis Doesn’t Wait. We operate an emergency shelter with onsite pet housing in the City of Wayne. We run the County's 24-hour DVSA crisis line.
- Crisis Response Children’s Advocacy Job/Life Skill & Other Basic Needs Support 24hr Helpline | 8,000+
- Calls Annually Emergency Shelter | 6,000+
- Shelter Nights Pet Shelter | 153 Night Occupancy in 2023
- Transitional Housing | 9,500+ Total Nights
- Counseling & Resources | 6,900+ Service Hours
- Court Advocacy | 620+
- Clients Assisted w/ PPO Transportation | 200+ Clients Assisted
TAKE A SHELTER TOUR TODAY!
We're happy to give you a tour so you can see our vision!
Contact Tanesha Weems, Detroit Philanthropy Officer:
P: 734-713-0682
E: tweems@firststep-mi.org