Founded in 1982, Coalition on Temporary Shelter (COTS) is a private, non-profit organization that provides emergency shelter and transitional housing, as well as comprehensive support services for the homeless and at-risk population of Detroit. COTS advocates for long-term solutions to the problems of homelessness by providing an array of services which enable people to achieve self-sufficiency and obtain quality affordable housing.

Shelter guests deserve a safe and sound good night’s sleep. COTS operates their Emergency Shelter Program 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Their housekeeping, maintenance, food service, and Facility Monitor staff provide for the basic needs of the residents, including a well-maintained and clean shelter, nutritious meals, clothing, and a safe and orderly living environment. The beds at COTS are always full.

With consistent use, the mattresses have become worn and the frames rickety. It is critical that the beds be replaced with military grade, metal bunks and that the matresses are replaced. This project provides for 20 replacement frames and matresses, each providing a safe, clean place to sleep for an average of 18 people every year.

Join with COTS to provide a good night’s sleep to the homeless and at-risk population of Detroit.

This project will benefit participants of COTS’ Emergency Shelter Program (ESP), which provided 41,545 nights of shelter to 2,563 unduplicated individuals last year, and serves as an entry point to their larger continuum of care. In 2010, 2,563 individuals received shelter at COTS. Of that group, 292 were children, 1,237 were adult males and 1,052 were adult females.
94.9% of new admits in 2010 were African American, 4.9% were Caucasian and .2% were “other”.

Community member details not available yet.

Direct Impact of Your Project

This project funds the replacement of 20 beds at the Emergency Shelter at Peterboro. These beds will serve approximately 18 people per bed, per year.

Extended Impact on Your Partner Community

Approximately 3 relatives and acquaintances per client will be positively impacted. Families of homeless individuals will receive peace of mind knowing that their loved ones have a safe and clean place to sleep.