When you think of RVs, you might picture cross-country road trips, tailgate parties, or retirees living their best lives on the open road. But what if an RV could do more-like help change the lives of homeless youth? That’s exactly what’s happening in Detroit, where a vibrant, custom-built RV is hitting the streets to deliver hope, snacks, and even video games to young people in need.
The YouthUp mobile unit, created by the Detroit Phoenix Center, is more than just a vehicle; it’s a rolling lifeline stocked with essentials and a dash of fun for youth facing housing insecurity. As reported by the Detroit Free Press, this project is a creative and much-needed way to reach a population that’s often hidden in plain sight.
1. Meeting Youth Where They Are
“It’s an opportunity for us to meet young people just right where they are in the community,” said Courtney Smith, CEO and founder of the Detroit Phoenix Center, in her interview with the Free Press.
The YouthUp mobile unit is designed to bring resources like hygiene kits, food, laptops, internet access, and even a PlayStation directly to teens and young adults across Detroit.
This approach is crucial for reaching youth who may not have transportation or access to traditional support centers.
2. Addressing a Growing Crisis
The numbers are sobering: from 2023 to 2024, children faced the largest increase in homelessness across the country and in Detroit, with 464 children under 18 and 115 young adults ages 18 to 24 counted as unhoused on a single night in January 2024.
“What we don’t see, and what we don’t know-and we know this number is growing-is the number of unsheltered people, or people that are unhoused, that are within plain sight,” said Meagan Dunn, CEO of Covenant House Michigan.
Many young people are couch surfing, staying in abandoned homes, or working jobs that don’t pay enough for stable housing. If only finding a place to sleep was as easy as finding a parking spot for an RV in Detroit-actually, scratch that, it’s probably about as tough.
3. More Than Just Shelter: Building Trust
The YouthUp RV isn’t just about providing essentials; it’s about building relationships and trust. “Taking resources straight to those who need it builds trust and rapport,” said agency leaders and housing experts.
The RV includes a bathroom, kitchen, pantry, study space, and a gaming area-making it a holistic support center on wheels. “Our mobile youth center is not just for young people experiencing housing insecurity. We’re using it as a bridge… to address young people that are experiencing housing insecurity… but then those who may not even identify as experiencing housing insecurity because that’s why this undercount exists, because of the stigma,” explained Smith.
4. Overcoming Barriers with Mobility
“A lot of the young people who need these services don’t have a car, don’t have access to a car, and we know that buses are not always super reliable. They can take a really long time. So, going literally to where they are at, I think, is really wonderful,” said Meredith Baughman, youth homelessness coordinator for HAND.
The RV’s mobility means it can reach youth who might otherwise fall through the cracks. It’s like DoorDash, but instead of delivering tacos, it’s delivering hope, hygiene kits, and maybe a high score on Mario Kart.
5. A Holistic Solution for Lasting Change
Smith emphasized that the YouthUp project is unique because it connects young people to education, food, housing, utility, and mental health supports-all in one place.
“The way she sees it, these measures prevent housing instability in the first place.” By providing comprehensive support, the RV helps youth not just survive, but thrive. It’s safe to say this is the only RV in Detroit where you can get a snack, a shower, and a pep talk-all before your next round of Fortnite.
