Stories

Longform MLK on 2nd is one of Detroit's newest affordable housing developments.

What city, state, and federal policies are needed to solve Detroit's housing affordability crisis?

We talked to several local housing advocates and experts about new affordability strategies at the local, state, and federal levels, and how they could help build a more affordable Detroit.

Feature Story Michael Ford

‘Hip-hop architect’ Michael Ford is drawing a blueprint to honor Detroit women in the field

“This is going to be a springboard,” he says. “Our program has been called, ‘The Hip-Hop Architect Camp’ for 9 years, but entering into our 10th year, we’re calling it, The Hip-Hop by Design camp.”

Feature Story Two Detroits by Teen HYPE

Teen HYPE's 'Two Detroits' tackles gentrification as seen through the eyes of Detroit youth

When Detroiters talk gentrification, there’s the usual conjured-up image of senior citizens being pushed out of an apartment complex in favor of luxury renters for younger generations, or people of color pushed out of their neighborhoods as they become more trendy — and unaffordable. In this case, Detroit teens will express on stage how they’re feeling pushed out of spaces in town once welcome to them.

Feature Story LifeWays staff

Community mental health delivers care to Michigan's schools

Michigan's CMHs play a critical role in schools, providing counseling, crisis intervention, and case management to students who might otherwise slip through the cracks.  

Feature Story Bobcat Bonnie's

Corktown's Bobcat Bonnie's closes, beginning the end of the Millennial Burger Restaurant era

One might say that ten years on Michigan Avenue is a good run and that Bonnie’s reached the end of its natural lifespan for a small business, or that the activity up and down Michigan since Michigan Central has come full circle meant at least one mainstay had to be the first casualty of increasingly changing tastes on the corridor. Perhaps consider the third option: The imminent death of the Millennial Burger Restaurant.

Partner Content Build Instittute

BUILD introduces new program to help established entrepreneurs grow, evolve

Identifying a gap in available support, BUILD has been developing a program since 2023 specifically designed to help established business owners grow, scale, and evolve.

Partner Content Gala Banner

Gala rocks and raises funds to advocate for autistic Michiganders

The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) Michigan Shines for Autism Gala, its largest fundraiser, will rock Detroit’s Motor City Casino Hotel on April 25, 2025 with “an electrifying evening blending a black-tie event with a rebellious twist.” 

Feature Story Urban Neighborhood Initiatives Executive Director Christine Bell

The evolution of Detroit's Springwells neighborhood: Nonprofit leader shares her perspectiveResilient Neighborhoods Feature

Christine Bell of Urban Neighborhood Initiatives reflects on the highs and lows of a vibrant area of Southwest Detroit during her 18 years working in the Springwells neighborhood.

Longform The Ruth Ellis Clairmount Center offers permanent supportive housing for LGBTQ+ youth who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

"There can't just be one approach": Detroit pursues innovative solutions to housing crisis

We checked in with three organizations that are rethinking how to develop and expand access to housing in Detroit.

Feature Story Detroit pizza place geography

Mapping Detroit: A Detroit-style pizza map showing where to get your piece of the pie

You might not find your favorite national chain everywhere, but there’s always a unique pizza option close by.

Feature Story Eliel Saarinen’s unbuilt 1924 Detroit civic center complex would have produced a radically different Detroit riverfront if constructed way back when.

HISTORY LESSON: With these failed building plans, let's imagine the Detroit that might have been

Welcome to History Lesson, a new recurring feature in Model D led by local historian Jacob Jones, in which we delve deep into the annals of Detroit history and nerd out over a different topic each time. This month, we're talking about big plans for Detroit developments that didn't come into existence.

Feature Story Seva Detroit

Midtown's Seva, a pioneer in vegan cuisine, to close

"This is not the outcome we had hoped for, but after years of financial challenges since COVID, we've reached a point where we can no longer sustain operations," reads a message on the restaurant's social pages.

Partner Content Multigenerational household

Financial considerations for multigenerational households

Research indicates there can be financial benefits to multigenerational living, and when executed intentionally, having multiple family members under the same roof can potentially help improve health outcomes, reduce loneliness for older adults and bolster educational outcomes for children.

Feature Story The Rapid offers GVSU-dedicated routes, including the Laker Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and routes 37, 48, and 85, which cater to off-campus housing near Allendale.

How Michigan’s biggest transit systems are connecting campuses, driving sustainability

Long-standing partnerships between GVSU and The Rapid and Southeast Michigan educational institutions and SMART foster sustainability, accessibility, and community impact.

Feature Story Culinary students in Zaman International's training kitchen

In the kitchen with Kim: Immigrants, refugees and other women find a path and purpose at ZamanNonprofit Journal Project

Developing self-confidence and culinary skills are key to Zaman International's culinary program for women who are immigrants or refugees or face other barriers to employment.

Feature Story Shiawassee Basin Preserve

Springfield Twp. Parks and Recreation collaborates with Oakland County to preserve natural assetsNonprofit Journal Project Feature

“Once those ecosystems are lost, they can’t be recreated,” says Sarah Richmond of Springfield Township Parks and Recreation. The township collaborates with Oakland County Parks on projects to steward land in northern Oakland County.  

Longform small-clinic

How an unused dental chair sparked an inclusive clinic at a Cleveland juvenile detention center

MedWish MedWorks turned an unused dental chair into inclusive dentistry for youth at Cuyahoga Juvenile Detention Center, providing critical care for long-neglected health needs.

Longform Sean Wolski at his home in Royal Oak. Wolski was inspired to advocate for more housing in Oakland County after struggling to buy a house himself.

From zoning reform to fair market rent, what policies would ease Oakland County's housing crisis?

We talked to homeowners, nonprofit leaders, and government officials about what local, state, and federal policy changes would help address the county's housing shortage and boost affordability.

Feature Story A box of Lekker Chócó Treats chocolate-covered strawberries.

Black-owned foodie businesses you should know about, and try

This month we are celebrating Black history by looking to our future-makers. Here are some Black-owned businesses driving our foodie scene (and giving us some great Valentine's gift ideas!).

Feature Story Program leader for GiGi's Kitchen gives directions to participants to prepare food and teach the importance of health and wellness

Volunteers provide all-ages support to people with Down syndromeNonprofit Journal Project

Volunteers do “all of the magic” at GiGi’s Playhouse, an achievement center with developmental and recreational programs for people with Down syndrome.