Off The Streets (OTS) (est. 1986), is Detroit’s only voluntary, licensed, community-based, short-term emergency shelter program for youth. Services are available to both males and females between the ages of 12 and 17 who are runaway, potential runaway, homeless and “throwaway” youth.

All services are provided by trained professional staff at no cost to the youth or their families. The problem with runaway and homeless youth in the City of Detroit and Wayne County continue to be one with frightening and unimaginable consequences.

• Young people on the street and homeless, become victimized and vulnerable to danger with consequences that could be detrimental to a young life.
• Increasing numbers of youth are “throwaways” without permanent housing.
• Many young people are forced from their homes due to family conflict, substance abuse and/or socioeconomic hardship.

While providing youth with a safe temporary alternative to life “on the streets,” OTS seeks to reunite youth with their families whenever possible. Emphasis is placed on parental participation and family counseling to divert and prevent youth from entering the juvenile justice system.

OTS offers prevention services, providing in home counseling with families and youth in order to stabilize situations that would cause youth to run. Services are also provided to families when youth return home to ensure the youth remains home. OTS also provides workshops in schools and other community centers.

As a youth serving agency, OTS advocates for the humanistic delivery of quality services to youth & their families within the community