I first sought help at a shelter where I met a counselor who tried to assist me with housing and employment, but I didn’t have much luck. Then I was introduced to Better Way Detroit (BWD), which became a turning point for me.

I’ve experienced homelessness but thank God for the people and organizations like COTS and BWD that helped make sure my family didn’t have to sleep on the streets. It’s important to me to make sure others don’t have to go through that either.

Brandy admits she didn’t know what to expect when she was recommended to Better Way. The single mother of a special needs 8-year-old daughter, she had a background in call center customer service, but was having a difficult time finding a job with hours that would allow her to be home with her daughter after school.

For Nicholas, he was homeless and living at the Covenant House in Detroit when BWD offered him four weeks of supervised job training at St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. BWD also provided transportation services for residents employed at the thrift store – ensuring they got to work each day.

Breyana credits Better Way Detroit and our Operations Manager, Quiane Bates, for supporting her during a difficult time. “With all my life challenges that I was facing…it was so hard figuring things out,” she said.

Before discovering Better Way, Nora had come to a point in her life where all she saw was darkness.

One of the ways Better Way Detroit serves people is by helping them complete their education. “Many of our participants are younger and not always ready to go directly into the workforce,” said Fr. Marko Djonovic, founder of Better Way Detroit.

Christians serve a God who gives second chances, even third chances and beyond. (See Matthew 18:21-22) One of the beneficiaries of Better Way Detroit (BWD) knows this truth well.

I’d like to share the story of Rick, who I met at a soup kitchen. I invited him to join us to remove blight from an area neighborhood for a days wage. After that experience, he became one of our regular participants.

“Renne had forgotten that she had options, that she could make something of her future. Then Better Way found her at the Shelter, and now she said she has hope.”

“I would’ve been DEAD if I didn’t meet you and get this job.” These are the recent words of a local homeless man that you helped through your generous support of Better Way Detroit. I will call him Marc.

“The Spirit spoke and prompted us to have a washing of the feet.”