For nearly 40 years, COTS has been committed to serving the most vulnerable members of the Detroit community by providing emergency shelter, affordable housing, and more. COTS creates and facilitates opportunities for families overcoming poverty to collaborate, thrive, and succeed in building strong and stable house­holds, neighborhoods, and communities.

Nefertiti and her children were living in a one-bedroom apartment with a family member prior to being referred to COTS. Initially, Nefertiti was extremely apprehensive about bringing her family to a shelter but as time went on, she began to see the merit in what COTS had to offer. She worked with a mobility coach, housing specialist, and mentor to rebuild her life.

She has since moved herself and her children into their own home, graduated from culinary school, and started a new job as a chef. She is now working to open her own catering business. She has shared her story with other women with similar experiences to encourage them to continue to set goals and believe in their own ability to overcome and succeed.

COTS Passport to Self-Sufficiency™ assists families in reaching their housing, economic, health, education, and career goals through coaching, mentorship, and support as they overcome homelessness and break the poverty cycle for the next generation – and beyond. COTS provides these services through a net-work of partnerships aimed at building healthy relationships that support the mutual growth and development of the whole family. Partner with COTS today to create opportunities for families to succeed.

This winter, COTS will re-open its 26 Peterboro location to offer 56 families a new place to call HOME! This building renovation will provide two- and three-bedroom affordable apartments for families. Residents will benefit from the wealth of growing resources in the area – resources such as employment, transportation, entertainment, education, arts and culture, and centers focused on healthy living.

We need you!

Consider partnering with COTS today. Together, we create opportunities to succeed!

“COTS IS MY FAMILY.”

Nefertiti’s Testimony: “The moment I realized that I needed to get help is when I saw fear in my children’s eyes when I was being abused and I knew at the moment I never wanted to see that fear again.

Since the shelter, I went to culinary school and that was a blast. COTS supports me in many ways. Sometimes they just call me to see if I’m ok, or to see if I need anything. I’ll always feel like somebody has my back. COTS is my family now; they’re my family.”

NOW; THEY’RE MY FAMILY.”

See the rest of Nefertiti’s story at COTSDetroit.org

Ways to help this season?

1. Make a financial contribution to support programs and services at www.cotsdetroit.org
2. Adopt a COTS family to make their holiday complete.
3. Purchase a Housewarming Gift for a family moving to COTS Peterboro Arms Apartments.
4. Volunteer as a Mission Mover to help move families into their new homes.
5. Sponsor an apartment and cover the cost of furniture and supportive services for a family.

To learn more about these support options, visit us online at www.cotsdetroit.org